TUE MUSCLES. 45 



6, It is especially important that the muscles should be 

 exercised, for several reasons. 



1. Because they are so large a part of the body. Nearly 

 one-half the weight of a man is muscle. 



2. Because they are made capable of great activity. 

 They are abundantly supplied with blood-vessels, and the 

 current of blood should flow freely through them. When 

 they are idle, its flow is sluggish. 



3. Because, when the muscles are exercised, all other 

 parts of the body are refreshed. We may exercise the 

 brain vigorously while the muscles are quite idle, and 

 the blood circulates no faster. But, when we exercise the 

 muscles, the heart beats more strongly, and the blood 

 flows more rapidly, not only through the muscles, but 

 also through the skin, the liver, the stomach, the brain. 

 The organs which remove waste matters from the blood 

 are more active, and the whole body is purified. Exercise 

 is Nature's stimulant. 



7, Muscular exercise is valuable, not only because it 

 promotes the general health, but also because it directly 

 improves the muscular system. A strong and well-shaped 

 body is to be desired. The ancient Greeks, who for their 

 physical beauty and vigor, and their intellectual power, 

 have been the admiration of all succeeding nations, made 

 very much of the cultivation of the muscles. Their 

 scholars and statesmen were proud if they could win 

 prizes in the great athletic games. Much of the work of 

 life is done by the muscles. It will be better done if they 

 are strong and well trained. 



8, Three things are to be sought in the training of the 

 muscles, 1. Strength, 2. Alertness, 3. Endurance. 



i. Strength. The muscles increase in size and power by 



