lower tx> a higher plane ini tiie scale of evolution, 

 and the matters of real consequence do not come 

 under those theories. 



In investigating these things in human beings, 

 and elsewhere among living organisms, there are 

 certain facts which stand out clearly, and which 

 should be taken into consideration in any study 

 of human improvement. It seems desirable to 

 make here a brief statement of what some of 

 these facts are, 



1. The main things in human beings, and in 

 many of our animals and plants, are matters of 

 power, and not matters of structure or color. 

 The powers of all living things, whether animals 

 or plants, are increased by exercising those pow- 

 ers previously in existence, and in no other man- 

 ner and under no other circumstances or condi- 

 tions. A man cannot become an athlete by sit- 

 ting still, no matter what he may eat. 



2. The powers within any living thing de- 

 cline when there is a reduction of the degree of 

 activity which previously existed). An athlete 

 gradually loses his physical powers when he takes 

 up a sedentary life. A race horse retired to the 

 breeding ranks gradually loses his racing powers. 



3. The gain in power by exercise, and the 



IX 



