FOOD, PHYSIC, AND EXERCISE 7 



quickness and decision. The man with weak nerves 

 does not fail from want of courage, but the shock 

 of an unexpected situation deadens his brain and 

 makes him incapable of acting at the moment. 

 You must forgive me for dwelling on this subject, 

 but it is so all -important to you now that I feel 

 there is ample excuse for a lecture. 



Nerve is, in the first place, a question of health. 

 Don't begin smoking too early, and, when you do 

 begin, smoke in moderation. You may not feel 

 any immediate ill effects from the free indulgence 

 of the cigarette or pipe, but you are handicapping 

 yourself in the race to a vigorous manhood. The 

 pipe is better than the cigarette, but, if you prefer 

 the latter, limit yourself to a certain number in the 

 week, and don't exceed it. Of course boys would 

 be all the better if they never touched tobacco till 

 they were eighteen ; but if a boy wants to smoke he 

 will, and it is better to do it with the full knowledge 

 of his father than in secret. Fathers forget that 

 they were boys once, and sons don't realise that 

 in the course of time they will become men. 



Strong tea is another luxury that is responsible 

 for the ruin of nerves, both young and old. Of 

 course every one knows that the man who takes 

 too much wine or spirits is certain to lose his 

 nerve, but boys are seldom guilty of this failing, 

 though they should remember it is a taste that 

 grows with age, and should therefore put the curb 

 on before it takes hold of them. I can't do better 

 than advise you to be moderate in everything. 



