During the night the respiration has been slower, the heart-beats less frequent, and the muscles have become contracted from remaining too long in certain positions. We know, without being told, that our bodies need shaking, stretching--some exercise, in fact, to get us into shape for the day's work. The blood must circulate quicker, and mind and body partake of the bright, brisk feeling which helps us to do everything easily. For those who spare the time, fifteen minutes, or even ten, on first rising is the best time to select for gymnastics. But many persons, young as well as old, must rise quickly and dress hastily, and have no minutes to spare for such morning exercise. They must choose some other time. Just before the daily bath is another opportune moment. The exercise taken induces perspiration, and this waste matter is removed by the bath following, leaving the skin in a clear, healthy, and normal condition. We feel wonderfully refreshed and full of vitality after the process. At night, before retiring, certain exercises of the muscles can be used with good effect. If we are tired or have overused one set of muscles, we do not exercise those already used too much, but others in opposite directions. For instance, if we have stretched our arms up until over-tired, it is rest and relief to stretch them down--again and again, and again, so making the strain upon the muscles equal. Or if we have used our arms too much, we rest ourselves by giving our legs a good amount of exercise--just as a long walk rests you after rowing, or as a good game of ball rests you after hard study. In the first case it is exercise in an opposite direction which gives the needed relaxation. In the second the same result comes from exercising the body after too much exercise of the mind. This "law of opposition," as it is called, is a big subject. But the rule holds just the same, whether you understand "the reason why" or not. Exercise muscles or parts of the body in opposite directions or in different ways from the motions and actions which have tired you. To do this at night "promotes sleep and helps digestion," say the physical-culture teachers. And who should know better than those who have studied up on the subject and who can give you the "reason why"? THROWING THE HAMMER. FROM PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN OF W. O. HICKOK, YALE '95, CHAMPION I.C.A.A.A.A. [Illustration: W.O. HICKOK.] [Illustration: 1.] [Illustration: 2.] [Illustration: 3.] [Illustration: 4.] [Illustration: 5.] [Illustration: 6.] [Illustration: 7.] [Illustration: 8.] [Illustration: INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORT]