In the allotment of exercises our aim is to develop thoroughly the muscles, and to give a regular and general action to all the members, but not to overstrain them.  The power of each boy being thus carefully remarked and regulated accordingly, all gather strength rapidly, and most are soon able to resume the exercises for a time abandoned.  Indeed, by the precautions taken and the exercises selected, the body is fortified and rendered so firm, that in after years it will bear very great fatigue without sustaining injury.

BATHING IN THE SEA.

As already mentioned, ablutions are in great favour in Montalluyah, and bathing is in constant use.  At a certain period of the year—­about six weeks in the whole—­our boys are made to bathe every morning in the open sea, into which they are taught to leap from adjacent rocks.  Having been told off according to their strength and capabilities, they are gradually led to higher and higher rocks, till at length they become accustomed to jump from a vast height with ease and without fear, and thus to dive in the sea.

When there is a timid boy, six or seven of the bravest are selected to accompany him.  They are directed on no account to urge him to jump off the rocks, or to taunt him for not doing so, but to let him act as he pleases.  If he does not imitate their example by jumping off the rock, the overlooker who has the care of the party will say, “As you have not bathed from the rock, you had better bathe below;” and the boy is then sent to bathe with the younger ones from the beach.  Ere long, of his own accord, he becomes desirous to imitate the braver boys of his own age; though I have known twelve or more mornings to elapse before the higher leap has been attempted.

When at last the boy has resolved to jump from the rock, great care is taken neither to praise him too much nor to reproach him with awkwardness.  On his return to the school, he is examined by the doctor, to see if his nerves have received too great a shock, and directions are given accordingly.  After a time all traces of timidity vanish, and numbers of children have thus been cured of their first aversion to jump from great heights into the sea.

No boy is allowed, under any circumstances, to taunt another with any weakness or failing; and, consequently, the boy himself scarcely knows that it is fear which has prevented him from doing the same thing as his companions.

Every day throughout the year the boys are required to take a bath either in the sea or at the institution, unless the doctor orders the contrary.

Besides the consideration of cleanliness and its effect on the complexion and health, the water used contains iron, which in our climate is of itself very beneficial to the system.

TREE-EARTH BATHS.