to the air and beauty to the landscape, which made our morning's ride delightful. The town of "Mola," besides being most charmingly situated upon an elevation overlooking the sea, is rendered more interesting from being connected with the name and fate of Cicero. The inn where we stopped was built upon the site of the orator's villa, where considerable of his time was spent. Not far from there he met his tragic end by the daggers of the Triumvirate of Rome-and by the road side stands the ruins of his tomb, a massive pile of masonry, once coated with marble, but now a rough tower of brick and mortar, unsightly in its decay. Such is the fate of earthly monuments erected in honor of human greatness! As we started from the hotel that morning, we found the court-yard crowded with a loathsome assemblage of beggars, whose importunities for alms were perfectly deafening. In no place had we been beset with so dreadful a crowd of diseased humanity, and we breathed a long sigh of relief as well as of pity when once fairly escaped from their presence. 66 Fondi" and "Itri," were two of the worst places on this route to Rome-for many years they were the head-quarters of bands of brigands who infested the country, and dark tales of murder are still told, as having been of frequent occurrence until within the last twenty years. At the former dirty old town, our passports were examined, and right glad were we to escape from those dark, narrow streets, and the dangerous looking swarm of men who surrounded us as we waited the necessary official signatures upon entering the "Romania" or Pope's especial dominions. During the afternoon we passed the Pontine marshes, which, under the bright sky, of that pleasant day we found to be quite the reverse of what we had expected. A broad expanse of delicious green, outspread on either side, an excellent road, well shaded by trees, with the wide canal, (upon which has been expended so much labor and treasure) now swollen to a rapid river, sleek, fat bullocks, of that soft color known as ashes of roses, being driven along by teamsters clad in picturesque costume, occasionally a few women washing clothes in the stream-all assisted in making up a picture at once cheerful and inviting. But the same scene under a cloudy sky, or at night, would probably look much less pleasant, and few travellers are so reckless of life or health as to risk their exposure from the malaria of this vicinity after nightfall. Of how we sauntered on for miles over this tract of country, leaving driver and carriage behind us-of how we we beheld that sacredly interesting spot, old" Appii Forum," and, with the good apostle, took heart on the way-how we lodged at Cisterna, and lunched at Albano-saw the huge dome of St. Peters, 13 miles then distant!-how we rode on, over the Campagna, bestrewn with ruins of the ancient empire, and entering the gates of Rome before sun-setting, found ourselves at our hotel on "Via Condotti," near the "Piazza del Spagna," we can only glance at here, leaving for another occasion those slight sketchings of days spent in the Imperial city, with their passing experiences, which may occupy a leisure hour. Lilfreds Rest. OVER THE RIVER. BY MISS M. REMICK. M. C. G. In lands than the sunset skies more fair; O! the air is sweet and the skies are fair! Over the river! They wait us there, Over the river! For us the day It leads to them! shall we trembling stand Over the river! Our Father's hand Through the perilous path and the thorny way, Will give us back on that peaceful shore, PHYSICAL CULTURE. BY REV. B. PETERS. The nature and importance of this subject, will be best appreciated by those who realize that our physical well-being lies at the foundation of our usefulness. No matter what may be the nature of our calling, we are only efficient, so far as we have a sound body in which to act. It is gratifying to see that parents in the training of children, are paying more attention to this subject. It is also to be hoped that our tastes in fashion, will be determined more and more by the laws of health. our mothers, has been arranged, not so as to transmit vigor and health, but deformity and weakness to their children. At least thirty years ago, a journal published in Cincinnati, Ohio, held the following language on this subject : "Females should be early taught the important fact that beauty cannot in reality exist independent of health, and that the one is absolutely unattainable without the other. In vain do they hope to preserve their complexion, to give a roseate hue to their cheeks, or to augment the grace and symmetry of their forms, unless they are cautious to preserve the whole frame in health, vigor and activity. Beauty of complexion and shape, is nothing more than visible health-a pure mirror of the perfect performance of the internal functions, and of their harmony with the external portions of the system; the certain effects of pure air, cheerfulness, temperance, and of exercise uninterrupted by any species of unnatural restraint." A Fanny Fern, in her quaint way, in a recent Ledger, says: "The day when it was considered interesting and lady-like to The athletic exercises of the ancient be always ailing has gone by. Good Greeks and Ronans, were not without health, fortunately, is the fashion. A their utility. They were not free from rosy cheek is no longer considered vulbarbarisms, for they were practiced among gar,' and a fair, shapely allowance of a barbarous people; but if customs simi- flesh on the bones is considered 'the lar to them, with the objectionable elimi- style.' Perhaps the great secret that nated, were established among us, it would good looks cannot exist without good no doubt be a blessing to our descendants. health, may have had something to do If we would hereafter preserve among our with the care now taken to obtain it; people the vigor that was imparted to our whether this be so or not, future generafathers by the pioneer life they lived, we tions are the gainers all the same. must respect the laws of physical growth. languid eye and a waxy, bloodless comWe must develop the bodily faculties of plexion, may go begging now for admiraour children-give toughness to their sin- tion. The elegant stoop' in the shoulews, strength to their muscles, and vigor ders, formerly considered so aristocratic, to the whole physical man. We have has also miraculously disappeared. Wogrossly neglected the laws of our physical men walk more and ride less; they have well-being. We have had a dyspeptic rainy day suits of apparel, too. which su dread of grossness. Our sense of refine-perfluity never was known to exist aforement has been inspired by oatmeal gruel. time, sunshine being the only atmosphere Our ideal of beauty, as a picture of broth-in which the human butterfly was suppos er Jonathan will show, has been fulfilled ed to float. In short, the fragile women by a reduction of muscular fibre, a pale face and a slender form. The fashionplates of the past generation, would furnish an interesting study, as well as a confirmation of this fact. The dress of 6 of America' will soon exist only in the acid journal of some English traveller, who will, of course, stick to the by-gone fact as a still present reality, with a doged pertinacity known only to that amiable nation." Contrast the spirit of the former quotation with this, and you cannot fail to perceive the change that has taken place in the views and customs of the world on this subject. Flesh is heir to weakness and deformity. These cannot be wholly driven from the world. But why should they not be less frequent? May we not, as a people, become physical y stronger, healthier, and more perfect? Man may educate himself physically as well as mentally. And this is to be done, not alone by seeking healthy food, wholesome air; but by some useful or innocent employment-work, or exercise by which our physical functions may be called into active play. It is a stern, a relentless fact that things unemployed will rust out much sooner than they will wear out, if rightly employed. Machinery kept in use remains smooth and bright; left to stand idle, it rusts, falls into dilapidation and decay. So with our bodily functions. They were made to be kept in action. Their health and activity depend upon employment. In this way our powers of endurance may be strengthened, and our capacity for all kinds of work may be greatly increased. We can hardly fix any limits to what is possible. The experience of Dr. Winship, recently given to the public, is a striking illustration of this fact. By physical exercise, we may overcome infirmities, counteract, if not wholly overcome, hereditary diseases; and thus do something ourselves to retrieve the shortcomings of our ancestors from which we may be suffering. By repeated efforts to memorise, you may so strengthen the memory that it will retain facts, figures, and words, with comparative ease. By constant practice in discerning objects in the woods, or on the sea, you may greatly quicken the strength of the eye or the ear. Sailors and hunters give, of this fact, the clearest proof, by their experience. The accustomed eye of a sailor will descry a sail on the sea long before an ordinary land lubber can fix his eye upon it, and determine exactly where A skilful woodsman will hear the familiar sounds of game, will know where to look for it, and will find it with a far keener perception than an unaccustomed it is. peasant or shop boy. The strength of the blacksmith's right arm shows what may be done, to some extent, with every organ of the body. Dr. Winship developed his physical strength by regular, systematic training, to the marvellous capacity of lifting over two thousand pounds. But his expe rience, in developing this strength, is the most instructive. It not only gave him pleasure, and furnished a constant incentive to renewed effort, to find that day by day he was gaining strength, but as he gained in strength he gained in health. He says:-" I discovered that with every day's development of my strength, there was an increase of my ability to resist and overcome all fleshly ailments, pains, and infirmities,— -a discovery which subsequent experience has so amply confirmed, that, if I were called on to condense the proposition which sums it up into a formula, it would be in these words: strength is health !” If strength is so essential to health, its importance will be still more apparent, when we consider how essential health is to the enjoyment of life in every possible form in which existence proffers it to us. Mark well the fact, that in our present state of being, the physical man is the basis of our welfare and ability. It is the only medium through which we can make ourselves felt. It is the organism with which God has endowed us, to secure the purposes of this life, and through whose various and interesting functions, we must expect to act for the present. The highest achievements of thought, of literature, and of science, can be best enjoyed, and best attained in a sound and vigorous body. Let us consider some of the specific blessings of good health. I 1. In health alone can we enjoy life. In spite of the asceticism that has been practiced, and sometimes taught by those who have called themselves Christians; am fully persuaded that God gave us this life to be enjoyed. I do not think he meant, unless for sinfulness, for violations of law, that we should eke out this life in weakness and suffering. God looks with pleasure upon rosy cheeks. He likes what he makes, better than he does man's work. He likes health better than sickness. The diseases incident to this life, are the product of violation, and we are the ones guilty of all violations. Health, therefore, is God's work, sickness is our own; and it is reasonable to presume that God likes his part of this work better than he does ours. By the very enjoyment with which be animates a healthy frame, he distinctly says:-"There, that is what I delight in. Seek that as the great good of your present state, and make yourself possessor of all the happiness which I have attached to an obedience of my laws." 2. In health alone, can we attend to business as it should be attended to We cannot get on very well in this world without some employment. The most of us are so situated, that wants of wife, children and home cannot well be supplied without some kind of business. Now, employment lawfully pursued, is not only conducive to hearth, but health preserved enables us to do the work that may fall to our lot with more ease and cheerfulness. The mind in a healthy and vigorous body, if not clearer, can work to better advantage, and with greater ease solve the problems which business involves. Besides, health will enable you to find pleasure in the very toil you are called upon to perform. I have thus briefly referred to the need of health in the work-shop and the counting-room. It is equally essential in the parlor, the kitchen, and the nursery. A healthy mother, a vigorous housewife, is no small blessing to a family. She is the genial, health-giving focus of the family circle. Her home is cleanly, her chambers are filled with sweet, fresh air, and her children are well fed and well clad. They receive their life and inspiration from her, and grow up to be wise, virtuous, and healthy. 3. But again health, let us remember, has much to do with an upright and virtuous life. Bad men not only subject themselves in a thousand ways, to sickness and infirmity, but through infirmity, good men often appear less good than they really are. It requires a very stroug will to triumph over physical infirmity. Indigestion has spoiled the temper of many "Un an otherwise good-natured man. til I had renovated my bodily system," says Dr. Winship, by a faithful gymnastic training, I had been subject to nervousness, headache, indigestion, rush of blood to the head, and a weak circulation. It was torture to me to have to listen to the grating of a slate pencil, the filing of a saw, or the scratching of glass. As I grew in strength, my nerves ceased to be impressible to such annoyances." Good digestion, healthy gastronomic powers, are very intimately connected with a good nature and an amiable disposition. Many an unhappy home, made so by irri table tempers, might, were it to trace to its source the evil from which it is suffering, find it in a deranged digestion. 4. But once more: as social beings, we can only find satisfaction and the enjoy. ment we need: when we are in health As real, genuine amusement and vivacit of spirits, promotes health, so health Y conducive to social enjoyment. Health is a benediction and a blessing. It goes out into the world with a smile, and comes home to its own happy circle of loved ones, with a cheer. It can unbend the bow, give up quiet habits, break up the spirit of reticence, and pour its soul into every circle of happy and cheerful spirits, lending enchantment to the sweet communion of friends. Good health feels that life is given for enjoyment, and it does what it can to pro mote it. It never suffers itself to live in gloom. It is seldom troubled by bad theology. It knows too well, that much of the theology that darkens the minds of men, is the product, rather of bad digestion than of healthy reason. He who is healthy throughout, not only in body but in spirit, is calm, hopeful, cheered by an unshaken trust in God, and therefore happy. These suggestions may be profitable to all, but they are particularly profitable to the young. For youth is the time for laying the foundation of a vigorous and healthy constitution. We should acquaint ourselves as early in life as possible, with the laws of health, and then seek to conform faithfully to all those laws clearly prescribe. In this way we may not only render our life infinitely happier, but also far more useful. Restrain yourself from unlawful indulgence, govern well your varied passions, but do not suffer yourself to be hampered in the enjoyment of that which is lawful Let no influence check the free circulation of your blood and spirits. Do not coop yourself up in a work-shop-do not eke out your existence beneath the flare of gas light, or by the side of a dim lamp, poring over yellow-covered pamphlets, or even over rare and precious books. Life is too precious to be crushed in this way. Work-study; but see to it, that you also find healthy, invigorating recreation. LAY OF AN INVALID. BY MISS E. N. CAMPBELL. I hear the wind, and sur, and sleet, Sweep o'er the damp and muddy street: The window shutters creek and groan, With the wind-god's angry tone. In thraldom bound by ceaseless pain, That chases through my brow and brain; Encircling life with sombre ray, I've lain throughout the live-long day, And begged an angel o'er my head Might stoop and round me gently steal, Sweet dreams of Heaven-and gently kiss My brow; and say by this -by this I call thee home. Beneath my wing I'll bear thee gently, till I bring Thee where th' immortal fountains gush, With music's sweetest, bubbling rush; Then, surely in my longing eyes, Would shine the dew of glad surprise; For I have lain long, weary days Shut from the fields and glad sun rays, Counting the pictures on the wall, The leaves, the flowers, the shadows, all That can an aching brain beguile, Or the long, lingering moments while. Of earth I have aweary grown; Grown weary of the sorrows strewn Along the way. Joy's ardent glow Is dimmed by scenes of shadowy woe. A beauteous rose blooms on the heath, But, oh! the thorn is hid beneath; And clouds of crimson, as of gold, Oft hide a tempest in their fold, And now throughout the live-long day, I earnestly, but meekly, pray Ye angel band! that come to cheer My heart, and make my life less drear, O, haste! and wave your sheltring wing, And this most welcome summons bring, "We call thee home! a golden lyre Hangs tuneless-from each mystic wire, Thy spirit hand shall gently press, Tones of etherial loveliness; The Master calleth: Welcome home! Thy weary feet no more shall roam.' Elmira, April, 1862. "But where's the use, aunt? I'm sure, I can't for the life of me see. "exclaimed pretty Lizzie Lee, and as she spoke, she twirled the brilliant ring that sparkled on the third finger of her left hand, and looked tenderly at the soft, fair palm. "Nor I, either, chimed in the equally pretty Mary Lee. "It seems to me only a waste of time, and then it's such dirty work, too ;" and the cherry lips curled scornfully. "Dirty work to make bread!" said good Mrs. Merton. "Well, I never in all my life heard such an idea! Do you mean to say that looks dirty?" and she broke apart a couple of fresh loaves which old Chloe had just brought into the dining room, and held them up for the young girls' inspection. "Don't that look good enough to eat?” "Do, "Yes, indeed," said Lizzie. aunt Mary, let me run to the dairy for a plate of that nice butter that I saw Dinah carry there early this morning. My long walk has made me as hungry as a milkmaid," and off she skipped, and both sisters were soon spreading the ample white slices cut from the steaming, fragrant loaf, with a generous depth of the sweet, new butter. "How delicious," said Lizzie, as she took the second slice. "I never could bear bread and butter at home, though the doctors were always telling us we should feel a great deal better if we would eat more bread and less pie and cake; but baker's bread is such tasteless stuff! Dear me, I'd as soon live on chips!" "And do you really like this bread?" "Don't I," said Lizzie, laughing. "Another slice if you please. If the proof of the pudding is in the eating, I should think I did. 66 One very good reason why you should learn to make it then." |