Waterbury evening Democrat., 1891-07-10
WALKING FOR HEALTH.
NATURAL EXERCISE BETTER THAN ANY
 MECHANICAL MEANS.

 and longevity-to promote a more perfect development of the human systematic physical condition of man, as he exist to- day Gin the cities at least), seems to be de- generating instead of advancing. Not long ago there appeared in one of our leading monthly magazines some valu- able statistics touching the subject Of human longevity. The author of the pub lication sent out into all parts of New Eng land some 5000 circular letters asking for detailed information concerning the occu- pations. habits, &c., during life of persons over eighty years of age male and female
 The inquiries were quite thorough and some interesting facts were furnished in the $500 answers that he received. The following among other facts were clearly established:
 l. That longevity, without regularity of habits, is rare.
 g. That physical activity is conducive to long life.
 8. That bone and muscle are the basis and main support of health and long life.
 4. That excessive flesh is rarely found in healthy old age.
 5. That the percentage of those who att tain a ripe old age is greatest among farmers, or those leading active lives in the country.
 The statistics also showed @ very low comparative health rate for the cities, in
 
 enjoy the benefits of all that science can do in the way of improved hygienic appli- ances. In the cities, too, was found the greatest degree of physical degeneracy.
 These unsatisfactory conditions are due largely to the inactive, lazy habits of city people, who take insufficient exercise. Street railways and cheap cab lines are responsible for good deal of it. l once heard a well-known physician declare that street recruiting office the hospital and the poor house. Lazy people ride when there is no necessity for it, and when it would be a thousand times better for them to walk and save their money.
 The important question, therefore, is, how can this tide of physical degeneracy which is destroying our manhood and womanhood be stayed? The answer is simple-outdoor recreation is the cure. Nowhere is this evil more apparent than | in the ranks of the rising generation. Boys and girls are growing up misshapen under their present careless and listless manner of carrying themselves. The 1 physical culture of the youth of the land | is question of vast importance and it is one that is now occupying Q good deal of | attention. The establishment in the pub | lie schools of a department for training l the pupils in the art of walking and other | health giving exercises is being vigorously | advocated. This would seem to be a capi- tai idea, for the true end of education | should be development, the right adjust | ment of mind, body and character The need of some such system is unquestioned, | especially in the i4Lerest of girls, who are | more limited in opportunities for physical | culture than boys.
 Among the field sports, base ball, cro- l quet and lawn tennis ought to be en- | couraged. These games furnish healthy l ion for hot ind md h0dXy Rocn ball and croquet bring into play every l joint and muscle of the body, and they are | particularly efficient in promoting a healthy development of the organs of vision. Next to walking they are the best | exercises for boys and girls.
 The fact that tennis players, as 0 rule, use but one arm is an objection to the game, for it tends to promote uneven de- velopment. Lovers of this graceful, fasci- hating sport should encourage the use of 1 both arms.
 ! That rational exercise is essential to a healthy condition of the human system will be admitted by all, but people are not so well agreed regarding the best method to be used. The relative merits of each of the various mechanical devices now en- ployed are fruitful source of discussion. Each method has it's advocates as well as it's critics. That each possesses advan- tages as well as defects cannot be denied It must be said, however, that want of pure air and a natural tendency to over- exertion and straining are objectionable features of the gymnasium.
 The bicycle, too-the upright or large | wheeled variety eSpecially-muSt be ob- jected to on account of it's bad influence on natural physical development It tends l to curvature of the spine and other mal- formations of the system; and the boy oI girl who takes to the wheel at an early ! -I~.z h. T weak-chested and bow-legged unless great preventive care is taken. The legs are abnormally developed at the expense o1 the arms and body, and grace and symme- try of figure are destroyed.
 The superiority of walking over any mechanical method is so marked as tc place it beyond the range of rivalry. Walking is natures own exercise. It is health-promoting diversion which is fret to all. The rich and the poor are alike welcome toits pleasures and benefactions 1 Little or no pecuniary expense is required in it's enjoyments and it vouchsafes almos perfect immunity from the dangers which 1 surround the gymnasium, the horse, thu cycle, the boat, &c. And comparatively
 few can afford these luxures. Sound fee and a reasonable amount of energy are tn, , only capital required of the walker. It very freedom from expense is perhaps the reason why walking is not more popu
 lar with city people. That which is cheal
 and easily acquired, is never eagerly
 sought after. But were the advantages , and benefits to be derived from systemati :, walking better understood it is certail that it's devotees would be numerous.
 Very long walks are not to be recon mended, especially in an ting eli
 mate. Twelve to fifteen miles ought t.
 be the limit. A walk to be beneficial mus be enjoyed, hence fatigue should b avoided. Walking, when employed as
 means of testing physical endurance-i : other words, when it becomes a task ] loses it's charms and is positively injurious The best walking shoe is a snug-fittin calf gaiter Qace or button) with flexibl - oak-tanned leather soles. The soIes shoul not be over heavy. Round toes are pref erable to square ones.
 " To secure a good gait in walking tn
 body should be erect, head l,. feet low d a methodical, energetic step, the arm
 swinging lightly by the side.
 light cane might be carried with ad | nto In oabi In