The Athlete for 1866

128 HINTS ON TRAINING. according to Dr. Smith's experiments, that fermented liquors diminish the excretions in a much greaterdegree, and that as the result,the blood retains much more effete material in its composition ; thextremes of temperature are not so •wellborne under them. Alcoholic drinks should never be taken on an an empty stomach, s they then quickly derangethe nervous system. Persons engaged in sedentary and mental occupations require more alcohol than those in active open-airexercise. Taken in any quantity, orepeatedly, fermented drinks destroy the proper operations of the stomach, liver, etc., and the whole body suffers by nonassimiJation of efficient nutriment. To sum up : the athlete must stick to his speciality if he wishes to be A1 in it, he must accommodate the supply of the body to the waste, the food and drink to the former habit of the constitution, and the exercise, and its quantity, to the capability ofthe organism. Always keep slowly, it cannot be done too slowly, increasing the normal power ofthe machinery, respiratory andmuscular ; study the improvement of the nervjus force as well as of the limbs : in both cases, quality is moreto be desired than quantity; the former will bring last and endurance, the latter elanand limited power. A proper attention to habits, regularity in sleep, food,drink, and exercise, will secure for the trainee a robust machine to workwith. When the actual scientific part is to be arranged if not confident in his own experience, let him consult a practical friend. Arcitvi non semper tenclit Ajollo, —therace day only ought to see his powers at their best pitch. The whole s>stem ofhis preparation ought to be one of improvement and building up. Distress, hard trials, &c., pull down and necessitate are­ making of the structure. The glorious feeling of perfect health, the elasticity of the frame, and the bright energetic powers of the faculties, are a reward sufficient to putthe fairest prize that can be offered in the shade. The result of proper training is in accordance with nature; why then should croakers, prevail ?