ollowed in this training for the
use of the mind. Do not study too long at a time. It makes a natural
reaction impossible. Arrange the work so that lessons as far unlike as
possible may be studied in immediate succession. We help to the healthy
reaction of one faculty, by exercising another that is quite different.

This principle should be inculcated in classes, and for that purpose a
regular programme of class work should be followed, calculated to bring
about the best results in all branches of study.

The first care should be to gain quiet, as through repose of mind and
body we cultivate the power to "erase all previous impressions." In
class, quiet, rhythmic breathing, with closed eyes, is most helpful for
a beginning. The eyes must be closed and opened slowly and gently, not
snapped together or apart; and fifty breaths, a little longer than they
would naturally be, are enough to quiet a class. The breaths must be
counted, to keep the mind from wandering, and the faces must be watched
very carefully, for the expression often shows anything but quiet. For
this reason it is necessary, in initiating a class, to begin with
simple relaxing motions; later these motions will follow the breathing.
Then follow exercises for directing the muscles. The force is directed
into one arm with the rest of the body free, and so in various simple
exercises the power of directing the will only to the muscles needed is
cultivated. After the muscle-work, the pupils are asked to centre their
minds for a minute on one subject,--the subject to be chosen by some
member, with slight help to lead the choice to something that will be
suggestive for a minute's thinking. At first it seems impossible to
hold one subject in mind for a minute; but the power grows rapidly as
we learn the natural way of concentrating, and instead of trying to
hold on to our subject, allow the subject to hold us by refusing
entrance to every other thought. In the latter case one suggestion
follows another with an ease and pleasantness which reminds one of
walking through new paths and seeing on every side something fresh and
unexpected. Then the class is asked to think of a list of flowers,
trees, countries, authors, painters, or whatever may be suggested, and
see who can think of the greatest number in one minute. At first, the
mind will trip and creak and hesitate over the work, but with practice
the list comes steadily and easily. Then follow exercises for quicknes