The Pedestrian's Record

6o the pedestrian's record. dominal viscera, or afford fixed support to muscles having those actions, is called into play. The subject of respiration to the athlete is so important that a few passing remarks seemed insufficient for so great a matter, consequently it has been treated in a some­ what physiological style, more to elucidate to how great an extent the muscular system is involved during the acts of laboured breathing than as an anatomical sketch. From it we cannot fail to recognize how important it must be for the muscles of the trunk to be fully developed, not only for the assistance of the respiratory effort, but also for those exactions which running imposes on the animal frame. It has been our opinion for many years past that gymnasia should exist in every town possessing only a small population, and that the work within them should be commenced early during the youth of both sexes ; in the male it would lay the foundation of a strong manhood, and bring to the maiden that state of constitution so much to be desired at mater­ nity. It would in addition warn the female mind of corsets, and tight-lacing, and all such gear having ten­ dency to restrict the due performance of the function of respiration ; in a very short time ourstreets would not be lined with deformities. In the gymnasium every muscular action calculated to give tone could be in­ dulged in, with the exception of walking or running, and these therefore might be carried on outside on the running-track. The cross-bar and ladder would bring into action the muscles of the trunk and arms, and