of earthy matter is hastened, and the bones are
consolidated before they attain full growth. Such colts make small and
inferior animals. Similar results follow, if a youth is compelled to
toil unduly before maturity of growth is attained. On the other hand,
moderate and regular labor favors a healthy development and
consolidation of the bones.

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

129-148. _Give the hygiene of the bones._ 129. What effect has
exercise upon the bones? What effect has inaction? Why are the joints
of the industrious farmer and mechanic larger than those of a person
unaccustomed to manual employment? 130. Give the first reason why the
bones of the child are not adapted to severe exercise. The second
reason.

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

131. _The kind and amount of labor should be adapted to the age,
health, and development of the bones._ Neither the flexible bones of
the child nor the brittle bones of the aged man are adapted, by their
organization, to long-continued, and hard labor. Those of the one bend
too easily, while those of the other fracture too readily. In middle
age, the proportions of animal and earthy matter are, usually, such as
to give the proper degree of flexibility, firmness, and strength for
labor, with little liability to injury.

132. _The imperfectly developed bones of the young child will not bear
long-continued exertions or positions without injury._ Hence the
requisitions of the rigid disciplinarian of schools, are unwise when
he compels his pupils to remain in one position for a long time. He
may have a "quiet school;" but, not unfrequently, by such discipline,
the constitution is impaired, and permanent injury is done to the
pupils.

133. _The lower extremities, in early life, contain but a small
proportion of earthy matter_; they bend when the weight of the body is
thrown upon them for a long time. Hence, the assiduous attempts to
induce children to stand or walk, either naturally or artificially,
when very young, are ill advised, and often productive of serious and
permanent evil. The "bandy" or bow legs are thus produced.

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

What effect has moderate, regular labor upon the growing youth? 131.
What remark respecting the kind and amount of labor? At what age are
the bones best fitted for labor? 132. What effect has long-continued
exertions or positions on the bones of a child? What is said of the
requisitions of some teachers, who have the famed "quie