174 THE WONDERFUL HOUSE THAT JACK HAS 



the element of contest is better than exercise which 

 is not a test of skill, yet even a brisk walk will 

 suffice when more absorbing exercise is not possible. 



Walking is certainly far better than no exercise at 

 all, and is even to be preferred to games in gym- 

 nasiums, because the air in the best-ventilated of 

 such rooms cannot be as beneficial as the pure atmos- 

 phere outside. Active, out-of-door exercise is an 

 excellen^ thing for adults, because it keeps the heart 

 and breathing muscles strong and in good condition. 

 Men and women who do not continue some such ex- 

 ercise after entering business life, in time get out of 

 breath quickly when some sudden physical exertion 

 is necessary. This is because the heart and other 

 muscle tissues have become enfeebled from lack of 

 use. Such a condition can easily be avoided by regu- 

 lar, active exercise. 



Let us then persist in forming a love for out-of-door 

 life, both for the joy it will afford and the larger use- 

 fulness it is bound to give us. We may not all become 

 authors so celebrated as Sir Walter Scott, or war- 

 riors, authors, or statesmen so distinguished as our 

 versatile and beloved President Roosevelt. Never- 

 theless, no matter how humble our calling, honest, 

 useful lives are possible for all. If, like these two great 

 men, we improve the opportunity to make our bodies 

 vigorous and strong, like theirs, our lives will become 

 more honorable and useful than would otherwise have 

 been possible. 



