The movable joints are joined by bands or ligaments, which are very strong. They often refuse to yield, when the bone to which they are fastened is broken. If a ligament is strained or hurt, a “sprain” is caused, which may be as bad as a broken bone.
Boys and girls are apt to form bad habits by which some of the bones become misshapen. You should hold your head erect, but not thrust forward; keep the chest expanded and the shoulders well back. You will find, after awhile, that this healthful posture is the most pleasant you can take, and it will give you the form which nature intends all of us to have.
What are the bones? How are they generally placed? How many bones have you? What is a skeleton?
Of what is a bone composed? What does the animal part give? The mineral? Why is the bone of a child less liable to break than that of an older person? What takes place sometimes when the bone of an old person is broken?
How are the movable joints joined? What is said of the strength of a ligament? What is a “sprain”?
What are boys and girls apt to do? What is the proper posture? What will you find?
CHAPTER XX.
A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION.
Every boy and girl should cultivate a cheerful disposition. You will have grief and trouble, and must shed many a tear; but cheerfulness does more than anything else to lighten the burdens of life.
Have a kind word for every one. If there is a deformed boy or girl in school, never notice it by look or word. If a boy has a drunken father or any disgrace attaches to his family, always act as though you never heard of it. If he is poor and in need, make him such presents as you can afford. It will add much to your own happiness if now and then you give something which you think you cannot afford.