Pedestrianism

240 ON TRAINING. He farther observes,— <$ By training, the men­ tal faculties are also improved. The atten­ tion is more ready, and the perception more acute, probably owing to theclearness of the stomach, andbetter digestion*." It has been made a question whether train­ ing produces a lasting, or only a temporary ef­ fect on the constitution. It is undeniable, that if a man be brought to a better condi­ tion ; if corpulency,and the impurities of his body, disappear ;and if his wind and strength be improved by any process whatever, his good state ofhealth will continue, until some derangement of his frame shall take place from accidental or natural causes. If he shall relapse into intemperance, or neglect the means ofpreserving his health, either by omitting to take the necessary exercise, or by indulging in debilitating propensities, he must expect such encroachments to bemade on his constitution, as must soon unhinge his system. But if he shall observe a different * Code of Health, vol. ii. p. 103. plan4