Somewhat such a system is followed at the fashionable watering places—and great would be the improvement of Health that would result from it,—if it was not continually counteracted, by visits to the Ball Room[4] and the Card Table.
A residence in the Country will avail little, if you carry with you there, the irregular habits, and late hours of fashionable Life.
Do not expect much benefit from mere change of Air—the purest breezes of the country will produce very little effect, unless accompanied by plenty of regular Exercise[5]—Temperance—and, above all, Tranquillity of Mind.—See Obs. on “[Air]” and “[Exercise].”
The following is a brief sketch of the usual Method of Training Persons for Athletic Exercises.
The Alimentary Canal[6] is cleansed by an Emetic, and then two or three Purgatives.—See [Index].
They are directed to eat Beef and Mutton[7]—rather under, than over-done, and without either Seasoning or Sauce—Broils, (No. 94), are preferred to either Roasts (No. 19), or Boils—and stale Bread or Biscuit.
Neither Veal—Lamb—Pork—Fish—Milk—Butter—Cheese—Puddings—Pastry—or Vegetables, are allowed.
Beef and Mutton only (fresh, not salted) are ordered;—but we believe this restriction is seldom entirely submitted to.
Nothing tends more to renovate the Constitution, than a temporary retirement to the Country.