PHYSICAL PREPARATION. 173 



like a pipe stem in the mouth and force the air 

 out through this tube with all the power possible ; 

 this will dilate the air cells to their' greatest 

 capacity and at the same time strengthen the 

 muscles of the chest; (2) place the hands over 

 different parts of the chest and then direct the 

 expansion to that part, seeing how much the 

 hand can be elevated by breathing. By repeating 

 these exercises a number of times each day, the 

 breathing power and chest expansion will in- 

 crease rapidly. Consumption may be cured by 

 these exercises if taken in its early stages. Even 

 where the consumptive tendency is hereditary in 

 the family, if deep breathing is habitually prac- 

 ticed for a number of months, before the incep- 

 tion of a new life, and by the mother during ges- 

 tation, there is very little danger of the offspring 

 suffering from weak lungs. 



Plenty of exercise is essential, but overwork 

 should be avoided by prospective parents. Per- 

 sons of leisure frequently parent puny offspring 

 because their inactive lives deplete the nerve 

 forces and thereby weaken the functional powers 

 of all the vital organs. On the other hand, many 

 who toil with the brain or brawn, so exhaust their 

 vital powers that it is impossible for them to 

 parent strong, healthy children. Both extremes 

 should be avoided. 



Exercise to be conducive to the best results, 

 should be of such a character as will call all of the 

 anatomy into action. It should be taken daily Strengthened, 

 and long enough to make rest a pleasure. If the 

 back, the arms, the muscles of the chest, or any 

 particular part is weak, it should receive special 



