logical_, as in a
_social_ sense." _Walking_ is one of the most efficient means of
physical culture, as it calls all the muscles into action and produces
the amount of tension requisite for their tonicity. Long walks or
protracted physical exercise of any kind should never be undertaken
immediately after meals. The first essential to a healthful walk is a
pleasurable object. Beautiful scenery, rambles in meadows rich with
fragrant grasses, or along the flowery banks of water-courses, affords
an agreeable stimulus, which sends the blood through the vital channels
with unwonted force, and imparts to the cheeks the ruddy glow of health.
Our poets acknowledge the silent influence of nature. Wordsworth has
expressed this thought in his own sublime way:

"The floating clouds their state shall lend
To her: for her the willow bend;
Nor shall she fail to see,
E'en in the motions of the storm
Grace that shall mould the maiden's form
By silent sympathy.
The stars of midnight shall be dear
To her: and she shall lean her ear
In many a secret place,
Where rivulets dance their wayward round,
And beauty, born of murmuring sound,
Shall pass into her face."

BASE BALL, CRICKET, BOXING, AND FENCING, are all manly exercises when
practiced solely with a view to their hygienic advantages and as such
have our approval.

[Illustration: Fig. 105.]

[Illustration: Fig. 109.]

THE ART OF SWIMMING was regarded by the Greeks as an important
accomplishment. As a hygienic agency, it occupies a high place in
physical culture. The varied movements impart strength and elasticity to
the muscles. It is as charming a recreation for women and girls as for
men and boys. Furthermore, it is not only a means of physical culture,
but is often essential for self-preservation.

[Illustration: Fig. 110.]

THE EXERCISES OF THE GYMNASIUM are especially productive of health and
longevity. The most important of these are balancing, leaping, climbing,
wrestling, and throwing, all of which are especially adapted to the
development of the muscles. In conclusion, we offer the following
suggestions, viz: all gymnastic exercises should be practiced in the
morning, and in the open air; extremes should be avoided; and it should
be always borne in mind, that their chief object is to combine, in a
proper proportion, mental and physical development. In every relation of
life we should cultivate all those faculties whic