A Plea for the Stomach. ° 635 
tion may go on properly, than a business of which gam- 
bling forms an element; and is it not the case, that most 
callings are more or less tainted with a speculative mania ? 
It stands to reason that the daily excitement which is the 
accompaniment of business, rendered uncertain by the ex- 
tent of the monetary ventures entered upon, must exert 
a prejudicial effect on the mind, and through it largely 
affect the body to its hurt, going on occasionally to the 
production of insanity; and what can be worse for the 
health than the daily-recurring strain upon the mental 
power which over-study involves ?—a habit sure to be fol- 
lowed by nervous irritability, and a general break-down of 
health. 
We would caution all against the danger of both the 
excesses we have glanced at, and in a feverish age like the 
present, the warning cannot be too often repeated. Indi- 
gestion is greatly on the increase, and insanity each year 
claims a larger number of victims; a fact attributed by 
thoughtful observers to the causes of excitement so rife 
amongst the present generation, and to none more than 
those we have alluded to. : 
The stomach, like the brain, and other organs of the 
body, requires periodic rest, in order that it may recruit its 
strength, and be fitted to enter upon the duties of the 
ensuing day. How is it possible for those who keep_late 
hours to obtain sufficient sleep to thoroughly restore ex- 
hausted energies, unless they largely indent upon the best 
hours of the morning, and so frustrate the general plan of 
Nature, which in a thousand various ways points to morn- 
ing as the proper season for labour? We are bold to say 
that any one who tries the experiment of retiring to rest and 
rising at an early hour, will find the work he gets through 
more profitable to his pocket, and less injurious to his 
health. Excess of all kinds should be scrupulously avoided, 
and no excess calls for greater deprecation than that which 
developes itself in the endeavour to obtain a maximum of 
brain-work with a minimum of repose. 
While on this subject, we would urge upon the fair sex 
the advisability of shunning late hours, not only on the 
ground that their good looks will be benefited by their 
adoption of such a course, but on the principle of offering 
a good example to the bread-winner of their households. 
Man is an imitative animal, wonderfully influenced for 
good or evil by his domestic surroundings; and if she in 
whom his love is centred, and on whose behalf his labour 
