The conduct of inferior animals, when young, shows the propriety of giving exercise to children.  Every other creature makes use of its organs of motion as soon as possible, and many of them, when under no necessity of moving in quest of food, cannot be restrained without force.  Such is the case with the calf, the lamb, and many more.  If these creatures were not permitted to frisk about at pleasure, they would soon die, or become diseased.  The same inclination appears very early in the human species; but as they are not able to take exercise themselves, it is the business of their parents and nurses to give it them.  This may be done in various ways, and the methods included in the system are shewn in other parts of this work.  It is to be regretted that men should be so inattentive to this matter; their negligence is one reason why females know so little of it.  Women will always be desirous to excel in such accomplishments as recommend them to the other sex; but men generally avoid even the slightest acquaintance with the affairs of the nursery, and many would reckon it an affront were they supposed to know any thing of them.  Not so, however, with the kennel or the stables; a gentleman of the first rank, who is not ashamed to give directions concerning the management of his dogs or horses, would blush were he surprised in performing the same office for that being who is to be the heir of his fortunes, and, perhaps, the future hope of his country.

Arguments to show the importance of exercise, might be drawn from every part of the animal economy.  Without it, the circulation of the blood cannot be properly carried on, nor the different secretions duly performed; neither can the fluids be properly prepared, nor the solids rendered firm or strong.  The action of the heart, the motion of the lungs, and all the vital functions, are greatly assisted by exercise.  But to point out the manner in which these effects are produced, would lead us beyond the present subject.  We shall, therefore, only add, that when exercise is neglected, none of the animal functions can be duly performed; and when this is the case, the whole constitution must go to wreck.  Healthy parents, wholesome food, and suitable clothing will avail little where it is disregarded.  Sufficient exercise will supply many defects in nursing, but nothing can compensate for its want.  A good constitution ought certainly to be our first object in the management of children.  It lays a foundation for their being useful and happy in life; and whoever neglects it, not only fails in his duty to his offspring, but to society.

While this is forgotten, let us not complain of weak and thoughtless children, or of weak and thoughtless servants; for the former are so from the neglect of their parents and the public; and the latter from not having been taught to think at all—­and yet the very persons that object to the education of the poor are the first to complain of their servants.