THE MUSCLES 47 



29. All the exercises necessary for the proper development 

 of the body may be obtained from the use of a few simple con- 

 trivances, that every one can have at home at little cost less 

 by far than that of useless toys. Many of these may be made 

 available in the parlor or chamber, though all exercises are far 

 more useful in the open air. A small portion of the day thus 

 spent will afford agreeable recreation, as well as useful exer- 

 cise. The Indian club, the wand, the ring, and the light 

 wooden dumb-bell are among the articles devised to assist in 

 the smooth performance of class drill. Pleasant music timed 

 to the movements of the drill is a further aid, just as martial 

 music by a good band is a great help to soldiers on the march. 



30. Home Gymnastics* This is perhaps a better name than 

 parlor gymnastics for those exercises which may be practised 

 by individuals at home. Apparatus of various forms, and 

 generally simple in construction, has been devised, and may be 

 had at small cost. It can be set up in almost any room in the 

 house. In some of these appliances cords or bands of rubber 

 and pulleys are used; in others, simply weights with cords 



now, and seemingly care not for the power to work long, to work well, 

 to work successfully hereafter, which is health." Dr. Nathan Allen on 

 Physical Culture. 



6. On Recreation. " Our whole method of amusements, especially for 

 the young, should be reformed. Gas-light should yield to daylight, night 

 vapors in heated and close rooms should give way to fresh air under the 

 open heavens, and our young people should be brought up to work and 

 play under the ministry of that great solar force which is the most benign 

 and god-like agent known to men. Ardent spirits and tobacco should be 

 given up, and in their stead genial exercise of riding, gymnastics, and 

 the dance, with music and all beautiful arts, should be employed to stir 

 the languid powers and soothe the troubled affections. The old Greeks 

 taught music and gymnastics as parts of education, and Plato, in urging 

 the importance of these, still maintains that the soul is superior to the 

 body, and religion is the crown of all true culture. Why may not Chris- 

 tian people take as broad a position on higher ground, and with a generous 

 and genial culture associate a faith that is no dreamy sentiment or ideal 

 abstraction, but the best power of man and the supreme grace of God." 

 Bev. Dr. Osgood on " The Skeleton in Modern Society." 



29. Proper exercise at home ? How obtained at home ? What as to regularity ? 



30. What kind of apparatus is recommended for home gymnastics ? Why ? Describe 

 advantages of the " chest weight." 



