ned, and not
only prevents the proper expansion of the lungs, but, by weakening the
muscles which sustain the spine, induces curvature and disease.
Whalebone, wood, steel, and every other unyielding substance, should
be banished from the toilet, as enemies of the human race.

194. _The mind exerts a great influence upon the tone and contractile
energy of the muscular system._ A person acting under a healthy mental
stimulus will make exertion with less fatigue than he would without
this incentive. For this reason, a sportsman will pursue his game
miles without fatigue, while his attendant, not having any mental
stimulus, will become weary. Again, if the sportsman spends some hours
in pursuit of his favorite game without success, a feeling of languor
creeps over him; but while he is thus fatigued and dispirited, let him
catch a glimpse of the game,--his wearied feelings are immediately
dissipated, and he presses on with renewed energy and recruited
strength.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

192. Why should not the muscles be compressed? 193. What is the effect
of tight clothing upon the muscles? 194. What is said of the influence
of the mind upon muscular activity? Give an illustration of mental
stimulus cooperating with muscular activity in the case of a
sportsman.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

195. This principle was well illustrated in the retreat from Russia of
the defeated and dispirited French army. When no enemy was near,
they had hardly strength sufficient to carry their arms; but no
sooner did they hear the report of the Russian guns, than new life
seemed to pervade them, and they wielded their weapons powerfully
until the foe was repulsed, then there was a relapse to weakness, and
prostration followed. It is thus with the invalid when riding for
his health;--relate an anecdote, or excite this mental stimulus by
agreeable conversation, and much benefit will accrue from the ride
to the debilitated person. So it is in the daily vocations of
life; if the mind have some incentive, the tiresomeness of labor
will be greatly diminished. Let an air of cheerfulness ever pervade
our every employment, and, like music, "it sweetens toil."

196. Facts illustrative of the inutility of calling the muscles into
action, without the cooperation of the mind, are seen in the
spiritless aspect of many of our boarding school processions, when a
walk is taken merely for exercise, without having in view any
attainable object. But pr