New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1879-07-01
NEW PUBLICATIONS.

HOW TO GET STRONG AND HOW To STAY so, BY
WILLIAM BLAKE l2mo. pp. POS. Harper 4 Bro'hers'
The branch of physical training to whicn
this volume chiefly devoted relates TO the exercise OF
the muscles with to the development OF strength
Mr. Blake attaches great Importance 10 the regular syS
temac action Of the muscles such as is called forth ny
course of artificial training hut snegected In the pur
suit OF the ordinary cangs OF e He calls attention TO
the fact that OF the multitude which passes the cor
ner of Broadway and Fulton-st in single week You VIII
scarcey find IN ten who is erect In Galt ana lno
oughy well built. welproportioned man. easy nrtn'
and graceful In his movements is an uncommon slsh'
The different classes OF mechanics laborers, farmers
or merchants exhibit peculiar characteristics according
TO the nature OF their work As rule, neither OF the
four classes subject training adapted to secure UNI
form strength In different portions Of the muscular
system Much OF the farmers work tends 70 MAKE nun
stoop forward. No man stands up straight ana iho"S
The one who shoyes bends over still more Every
ounce of soade OF load pulls him over TIL after
much Of this sort of work. ne scarcely stand upright
Poughing is better for the upper part OF the body ou
It docs not last long The walking over uneven crouhd
soon brings on an awkward, clumsy step Choprihg Is
excellent for the upper man, but does nothing 'or e
legs. In haud-rakinC and hoeng the man NAV remain
erect but pitching the load and III nearly every
sort Of lifting especially in handling heavy stone ana
timber the back Is always bent over. Scarcely any
work on farm makes one qulck OF toot I"IiheI i
seldom good walker. He usually clutches up II ne
has an GRAND 70 go, though IL Is only mile lie u
hearty welfed man, not only because he has plenty OF
wholesome food but because he has good appetite ana
eats with zest aud relish he naturally thinks that
when he eats and sleeps we'll he Is in good health ana
so he usuayis but he is developing some parts OF MS
body and leaving others weak. His work. though II
makes hin hearty and well, takes the spring out OF lin
Tue same line Of remark applies TO other cauhgs ana
pursuits The merchant IN still worse position
Commencing his work in boYhoOd, by the time he has
passed through the successive stages he finds that his
bodily strength and endurance gone. BY tie time
he has become prosperous In business, lie IS no
longer in condition TO enjoy lhe Inc
case OF the quite as bad Thoroughly healthy
hearty women not common In this country Few OF
them are good walkers. They look with establishment
on the proves Of English ladies who walk their ten
miles day without symptom Of fatigue. The grand
remedy for the evil according TO Mr. Blake is regular
system Of gymnastic training adapted 10 produce uni
form development Of the muscles, and to preserve the
ply steal organization in state of healthy equilibrium
He urges his counses with emphatic zeal and euforces
them with a variety OF interesting examples and apt
illustrations HIS book abounds with admirable suGges-
tons and cannot be read without instruction aud profit
1t is collection of important hints branch OF physi-
cal education concerning which his personal experience
entities him to speak with authority; but he docs not
claim for It tbs character OF complete manual OF prac-
teal hygiene. The conditions Of health are too
subtle and complicated to be exhausted by the
treatment Of any single aspect Of the sub
feet. Mr.. Bryants example is often quoted as an
Illustration OF the efficacy Of rigid habit OF physical
exercise But healthy longevity of the ilustrious
poet be also ascrbed to the peace OF mind arising
from congenial occupation to the consciousness OF
power impaired by the perfect mastery Of his work to
the freedom from secular and the enjoyment OF
sngularly happy social environment, and to the tenn
perance not only in meats and drinks, but in thought
and action which was an integral element Of his fortu-
nate nature Mr. Blakie urgent plea for the muscular
virtues is doubtless welfoundod than it is eo-
quently pressed but athletic feats can guarantee
strength OF body the eXuberance OF healthful fe
without wise abstinence from the wrathful and ma
Hcious passions, from the use OF hot and rebeOus
liquors." and from excess Of wine,