Such are the trimming of shrubs, and flowering plants; the management of espaliers, the removal of seedling flower-roots; the thinning of fruit upon the trees; and the following and overlooking the other several works. Here will at least be more, and brisker walking than would be otherwise; and in many things the little use that is made of the hands will complete that exercise, by continuing it perfectly through the body.
The only danger in this healthy and happy course, is, that it is too alluring. Let him who delights in it take an invariable resolution, never to let his fondness for the garden carry him out too early; or keep him there too late.
CHAP. VII.
Of succedaneums for exercise.
The benefit of exercise all know; but all cannot enjoy it: nor can it be had at all times. The very weather will some days deny the use of those kinds we have named to such as are most able to take them. In this case, any bustling about within doors, whether in the way of business, or amusement, will in some degree answer the purpose. The adjusting an escritoire; or the new arranging the volumes in a book-case, have often produced this good effect: and billiards, or other entertainments which afford the means of stirring within the house, all answer the same purpose.
To those who are too weak for exercise, even the mildest, and in the best weather, the great relief is a flesh-brush; and the effects of this, when used with care and constancy, are more than can be imagined. We know what we expect from exercise; and in old men, the greatest of its advantages is the assisting circulation. The flesh-brush does this nearly in as great a degree, excepting only for the immediate time: but to have the full benefit, it must be regularly and frequently repeated.
Another excellent succedaneum for exercise is washing the body with warm water, and then rubbing it very well with repeated dry cloths. This has many peculiar advantages: the warmth assists perspiration; the washing opens the pores; and the rubbing afterwards is nearly equal to the effect of the flesh-brush. The warmth and moisture join also in softening the skin, and rendering it supple: and this is a great point; for all are apt to grow hard and dry with age.
Great care must be taken to avoid taking cold after this. The best time for it is therefore evening, in a warm bedchamber; and the bed should be ready immediately; that the person may go into it while he is yet hot.
The hands and feet should have their full share in this washing and rubbing; for the circulation is weakest there; and the pores most liable to be stopped. The hot bath answers, in some degree, this purpose; and will be spoken of hereafter: but that is rather to be used as a remedy than a preservative; and we are here treating of aged men in health.
CHAP. VIII.
Of a regulation of temper; and of the passions.
Without entering into the province of the moralist or preacher, we may affirm here, that the passions demand great regard in preserving the health of old men. The motion of the blood in circulation is greatly affected and altered by them: and the nerves may suffer yet more. The whole frame is disordered by violent passions: and I have often seen diseases; and sometimes immediate death has been the consequence of giving full scope to them.