of habit, accustomed to a certain limit of activity only, and incapable of anything beyond, and likely to sink at once, on any call that might be made for extra exertion.

The longest livers-soldiers, paupers, labourers, &c., have mostly been those who were often exposed to many and varied changes, and who were constantly called on to make considerable exertions; for such exertions rather sustain than exhaust, and invigorate the general system by calling forth the variety of its powers and resources; but if any attempt be made to increase indefinitely the natural powers, whether of body or mind, a general decay or destruction of both will be the consequence. When, for example, it be attempted to attain excessive muscular power by constant practice and exertion, by the taking undue quantities of solid or nutrient food, or by any of those means familiar to trainers for the prize-ring, an undue balance between the functions of nutrition and absorption results, the quantity of blood is increased, the circulation stimulated; and, in a word, a plethoric condition induced, which may tend to the development of any hereditary disease, or the formation of some new evil. If the powers of the mind be overtaxed, if the brain be worked too long, similar effects will result, too much blood will flow to that organ, the

due balance between the nutritious and regenerative processes will be broken, disease of the brain and of the whole nervous system will result.

It must always be borne in mind, that there is a fixed limit to the healthy physical development of the body, and that this limit is fully attained at the period of complete maturity; that all that can be gained above this is an abnormal increase of some one or more organs, or a general deposition of fatty matters impeding the action of the limbs, obstructing the free circulation of the fluids, the easy play of the lungs, and generally diminishing the activity and strength of the individual. From infancy up to manhood is a period of the accession of parts. The frame has daily to be increased in size and completed in structure. The processes of organic life have two distinct duties to perform: 1st, to replace such portions of the frame as by the actions of life are worn out, and by the absorbent vessels are removed and cast out from the body; and 2dly, to deposit everywhere such additional matter as shall go to complete the structure and growth of each part. After the individual has attained complete maturity, the first only of these two processes is required. It is then only the duty of the nutrient functions to sustain the frame in perfect integrity, by replacing as much

daily as is used up by the wear and tear of physical and mental exertion. If too much be deposited, a state of plethora, general or local, is the inevitable consequence; if too little be supplied, a debilitated condition, general or local, a species of marasmus, is as certainly induced. Now it must be the first object with every one who desires to continue the condition of healthful maturity unchanged, to bear this constantly in mind, and so to regulate the actions which wear out the vital structures and the means by which they are nourished and reproduced as to sustain that balance which constitutes vigorous health. Let us apply this generally to diet, exercise, amusements, and conduct of life.

Diet.-Full-grown individuals require less diet than they did during the period of growth, for it is manifest that less is needful to replace the daily waste only, than was required to supply that and also to complete the unfinished structures; yet we generally find that indulgence in food is one of the most prevailing errors of advanced life; highly-seasoned stimulating dishes, generous wines, and a longer indulgence in the pleasures of the table, are often regarded as rewards which have been earned by a life of labour, and which may be rightfully enjoyed: hence the body habitually receives more food than is needful for its support, and

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foods and drinks; but in truth the quantity taken, and the time when it is taken, is much more important than any fine-drawn distinction as to kind of food or mode of cooking. Queen Elizabeth and her ladies breakfasted on meat, bread, and strong ale. Our modern ladies take tea and coffee, and thin slices of toast or bread. The Esquimaux or Cossacks drink train-oil and ardent spirits. The inhabitants of France and Germany eat much more largely than we do of vegetable diet, and drink at all times of the day their acid wines. In Devonshire and Herefordshire an acid cyder is the common beverage, and in the Highlands of Scotland oatmeal porridge is in a great measure the food, and whiskey the drink, of the inhabitants. The Irish peasant lives chiefly on potatoes, and the Hindoo on rice. Yet all this variety and much more is digested, yields nutriment, and promotes growth; affording undeniable evidence that man is really omnivorous, that he can be supported by great varieties of food. It remains, however, to select those kinds which may be best suited to particular individuals, and to the circumstances in which they may be placed.

The body, then, being thus prepared by a full nutritious meal, the individual may proceed to his daily occupations of body or mind, well sustained in his exertions by what he has taken until the close of the