CHAPTER III. 



EXCESSIVE FEAR.— ITS EFFECTS. 



It is quite wonderful to what a degree the nervous sys- 

 tem can be shaken or deranged by a sudden fright or in- 

 tense fear. So susceptible is the mind to this influence 



Fio. 109. — The colt excited by fear. 



that not infrequently very trifling causes in themselves 

 make such an imj^ression upon children and sensitive per- 

 sons as to produce convulsions and insanity that may in 

 some cases end in death. Even large audiences are some- 

 times so panic-stricken by the cry of fire, or some other 



(118) 



