The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1870-03-31
How to Breathe.

There is one rule to be observed in taking
exercise by walking-the very best form i'll
which it can be taken by the able bodied in
all ages-and that is, never allow the action
of respiration to be carried on through the
mouth The nasal passages are clearly the
medium through which respiration was de-
signed by our Creator to be carried ON. God
breathed into mans nostrils the breath Of
life" previous to his becoming a living crea-
ture The difference in the exhaustion Of
strength by long walk with the mouth firm
ly closed, and respiration carried through the
nostrils instead Of the mouth, is inconceiyab!e
to those who have never tried the experiment.
And indeed, this mischieyous and really un
natural habit of carrying on the work Of IN
SEPARATION aud expiration through the mouth,
instead Of through the uassal passages, is the
true origin Of almost ali the diseases of the
throat and lungs, as congestion, asthma, 5ron-
chitis, and even consumption itself That
excessive perspration to which some individ-
uals are 50 liable in their sleep, which is 50
weakening to the body, is solely the effect of
such persons sleeping with their mouth I'M
closed And the same unpleasant exhaustive
results are occasioned to the animal system
from walking with the mouth open, instead Of
when not engaged in conversation, preserving
the lips in state of firm but quiet compress
sion. AS the action Of the heart and veloci
ty of the blood through the lungs depend
almost entirely upon the quantity of atmos-
pheric air inhaled with each Inspiration, and
it is unavoidable that it should be taken in
volume, by the mouth, while it can only be
supplied in moderate quantities and just in
sufficient proportion to serve the purpose of
healthy, respirative action, while supplied
through the nostrils, it is clear that the body
must be much higher and cooler, and also the
breathing is much freer and easier, when the
latter course rather than the former one is
adopted Children ought never to be allowed
to stand with their mouths open; fer besides
the vacant appearance it gives to the counte
nance, it is the certain precursor Of colds,
coughs and sore Threats.
To SEE Down A WELL--Thc New Hasnp
| shire Journal of Agriculture suggests an ex-
cellent plan for Exploring the bottom ola well:
'It is not generally known hew easy a
| matter it is to examine the bottom of a well,
cistern, or pond of water by the use Of a
common mirror. When the sun is shining
brightly, hold mirror so that the reflected
rays Of light will fall into the water. a bright
spot will be seen at the bottom, SO light as to
show the smallest object very plainly. BY
this means we have examined the bottom OF
wells fifty feet deep, when half full or more Of
water. The smallest straw or other small OBJ
jects can be perfectly seen from the suriace
In the same way one can examine the bottom
of ponds and rivers, If the water be somewho
clear, and not agitatcd BY winds Of rapid mo-
ton. Ifa we'll or cistern be under cover, OF
shaded by building, SO that the sunlight vii!
not fall near the opening it is only necessary
to employ two mirrors, using one to reject
the Ii ht to the opening, and another to send
it down perpendicularly into the water,
Light may be thrown Fifty or hundred yard,
in the precise spot desired, and then refec-
! ted downward We have used the mirror
with success to reflect the light around a field
10 shaded spot, and also to carry it from a
south window through two rooms. and then
into a cistern under the north side Of the
house. Half dozen reflections Of the light
NAV be made though each mirror diminish
es the briliancy of the light. Let a'y one
not familiar with tbs method Try it, and he
will find it not only useful, but p easant OK.
pertinent. 1t will perhaps reveal mass o
sediment at the bottom ola well that has beer
little thought of. but which may have been {
fruitful source of disease, by its decay in thu
| water