tem does not suffer so severely from the jar
if there is a slight relaxation of the muscles, as when they are in a
state of rigid contraction.

_Experiments._ Attempt to bow with the muscles of the limbs and trunk
rigid, and there will be a stiff bending of the body only at the
hip-joint. On the other hand, attempt to bow with the muscles
moderately relaxed; the ankle, the knee, and the hip-joint will
slightly bend, accompanied with an easy and graceful curve of the
body.

206. The muscles when relaxed, together with the yielding character of
the cartilage, and the porous structure of the ends of the bones that
form a joint, diffuse or deaden the force of jars, or shocks, in
stepping suddenly down stairs, or in falling from moderate heights.
Hence, in jumping or falling from a carriage, or any height, the shock
to the organs of the system may be obviated in the three following
ways: 1st. Let the muscles be relaxed, not rigid. 2d. Let the limbs be
bent at the ankle, knee, and hips; the head should be thrown slightly
forward, with the trunk a little stooping. 3d. Fall upon the toes, not
the heel.

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204. When are the muscles unfitted to maintain the system erect either
in standing or sitting? What is necessary when this condition of the
system exists? 205. Why should the muscular system be slightly relaxed
in walking, &c.? Give illustrative experiments. 206. What is the
reason that we do not feel the jar in falling from a moderate height?

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_Experiments._ Stand with the trunk and lower limbs firm, and the
muscles rigid; then jump a few inches perpendicularly to the floor,
and fall upon the heels. Again, slightly bend the limbs, jump a few
inches, and fall upon the toes, and the difference in the force of the
shock, to the brain and other organs, will be readily noticed.

207. _The muscles require to be educated, or trained._ The power of
giving different intonations in reading, speaking, singing, the varied
and rapid executions in penmanship, and all mechanical or agricultural
employments, depend, in a measure, upon the education of the muscles.
In the first effort of muscular education, the contractions of the
muscular fibres are irregular and feeble, as may be seen when the
child begins to walk, or in the first efforts of penmanship.

208. _Repetition of muscular action is necessary._ To render the
action of the muscles complete and effective, they must be c