The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-11-03

1t IS a matter of demonstrated truth
that the average boy or girl does not have
what may be fairly considered the nor
nal lung capacity. What Is true of the
lungs is true Of imperfectly developed
muscles. of various weaknesses of the
heart OF distorted shoulders, and abnor'
NAL shapes Of the chest walls. Yet no.
body en- the public schools or colleges IS
taught to breathe properly If he happens
10 be a non-athlete: that Is 10 say, the
consumDtive and the 'anemic students
are neglected by the athletic trainer and
the physician employed in most colleges,
and the few athletes who happen 10 be
ambitious and able TO excel receive all
their attention. That was an inevitable
first result Of the craze for physical
training that established all pver the
country magnificent gymnasiums and
athletic club-houses and awakened I'M
bounded enthusiasm over football and
rowing and track athletics. The mass
of the students were neglected for the
individual and no account was taken VI
the needs of women, who for centuries
as a sex, have worked and walked with
one SET Of muscles and abandoned the
use Of others entirely, with tho result OF
losing poise and idisplaying I'm every
movement sad lack of reserve force.
Al this is changed now, or is well into
end women In this as in many move
ments women are rather having the bet
ter OF IL by waiting. There is something
in learning what 10 avoid by observing
the mistakes of masculine systems. The
result Is that wholesome and ncaltnful
ideal for the sex is taking -he place of
the neryeless and langmd maidens here
toforr initiated. Poise is returning. Deep
and full breathing is generating a health
IA hot catrf tr1e
body as a rare charm and makes It pos
sible to lend even TO the prevailing exag-
eerations in garments an individuality
that is quaint and allurng. Girls OF all
ages and degrees are engaging in field
work, gymnasium training. or gymnas-
tic exercise fitting their particular phys
zeal requirements. The prevailing bicy-
Gle madness indicates nothing more per-
Verted than a return 10 wholesome ideals.
IL Is not necessary, nor is 1t always
safe. to experiment in breathing, The
chief thing is % breathe in the sunshine
and MI tho lungs completely. and then
10 empty them completely. Standing at
aA O4,,n WINDOW, or reclining with the
waist and chest unccniined, hold the chest
walls high and inhale in slow. long
breaths; exhale as slowly, three times
only at first. Gradually the number NAV
be increased and the time heightened for
dav fifteen minutes should be taken for
exercise OF this cort and subsequent rest.
The following exercise In breathing is
one used by the Brahmins and Yogis Of
India The result is a wonderful inyigo-
ration that is almost electrical and Is
doubtless the results Of some action like
that noted by the physician Maudsley in
brains and Nerves." whore he writes:
Concentrated attention to given por-
ton OF the body through an unimpeded
channel will cause the blood and nerve
force to 20 there" This is the exercise;
Take a position lying relaxed and prone
on the floor. Breathe In vigorous. slow.
and rythmical inspirations and stretching
the chest walls out and up. like an ac-
Gordon. Then concentrate tho mind re-
souteiy and for an appreciate length of
time on the feet, the hands and arms. the
knees the elbows. hips shoulders, abb
domAntal region. the upper chest, the
brain. With new energy and nerve-force
In thu tired parts; thA mental exercise