46 THE HUMAN 13ODY. 



use. It is important that this increase should be uniform. 

 Exercises should be chosen with reference to the develop- 

 ment of arms, legs, and trunk. It is a common mistake, 

 to regard strength as the only end of muscular exercise. 

 A man is not required to do the work of a horse. Great 

 strength does not always imply good health. Athletes 

 are sometimes overtrained, so that their health is impaired 

 while their muscles are large. Prize-fighters frequently 

 die early. 



s. Alertness. This is the power to obey quickly the 

 commands of the will or the impulse of the senses. In 

 many trades, and some professions, it is of the utmost 

 value. Games which require keen watching and rapid 

 movements develop it. 



s. Endurance. This is the power of continuing to make 

 efforts for a long time without tiring out. It is not always 

 the largest muscle that has the most of this quality. This, 

 with healthy action of other organs, constitutes what is 

 called " staying power," and gives the victory in a long 

 race. It is acquired by regular exercise. 



9, Muscular exercises are valuable, also, because they 

 commonly train the eye and the ear to quickness of 

 perception. 



10, The muscles are larger and firmer in men than in 

 women. Nevertheless, the need of muscular exercise is 

 just as real for one sex as for the other. It is as truly 

 requisite for their health and proper growth. Neither 

 unsuitable dress, nor false ideas of propriety, should be 

 allowed to deprive them of it. 



11, Exercise, to be most useful, should be regular. To 

 take several hours of it to-day, and none to-morrow, is 

 less beneficial than to take a moderate amount daily. It 



