74 THE WONDERFUL HOUSE THAT JACK HAS 



Few inhabitants of temperate zones ever have to 

 endure such cold as do explorers who visit the arctic 

 regions. Men who have been engaged in such ex- 

 peditions testify that they endured the cold much 

 better when they abstained from alcoholic drinks. In 

 a recent interview, the distinguished explorer, Com- 

 mander Robert E. Peary, said : "A man must abstain 

 from all stimulants in the polar regions. Liquor is 

 altogether out of the question there." Under some 

 conditions, however, such liquors are considered use- 

 ful ; for instance, when, because of disease, accident, or 

 fainting, one's vitality is at a very low ebb and some- 

 thing is needed that will quickly stimulate the heart's 

 action. Yet, like other poisonous medicines, they 

 should be used only when prescribed by a physician. 



It is not necessary to describe the effect of alcohol 

 on the muscles and the will. Unfortunately the sight 

 of a drunkard is too common. Nearly all have learned 

 from observation how this spurious food, instead of 

 nourishing or helping the body, causes the brain to 

 lose control of the muscles and sends its victim stag- 

 gering along the streets. 



What reader of the morning paper does not daily 

 learn of its degrading effect on men's wills ? One per- 

 son has conducted himself in a boisterous or shameful 

 manner. Another has beaten^, wife or child. Perhaps 

 a third has been killed, or maybe has taken another 

 person's life. And each account ends with the same 

 explanation, "He was drunk." What community 



