It ought to be remembered that in almost all kinds of handiwork in daily life, the _whole_ arm is active and in motion, and _very rarely_ the _wrist alone_. With musical instruments, on the contrary, and particularly in playing the violin, it is necessary _always_ to use the wrist, and it is impossible to play well unless the wrist has been rendered strong and elastic. It is, therefore, absolutely indispensable that proper gymnastic exercises should be made with the wrist, in order to _prepare it_. The wrist, indeed, ought to be _accustomed_, in other words, _to move of itself_, and the student ought, as often as possible, to perform all kinds of movements calculated to impart to it pliancy and strength. It will then soon become free and easy, and the student will, in course of time, acquire the strongest, most elegant, and artistic stroke. No single one of these practical gymnastic exercises ought to be despised on account of its simplicity. Only try them, and they will be found very effective. All sensible artists and teachers will do homage to every improvement, and consider it their duty to welcome any assistance calculated to diminish and render lighter the arduous toil, and shorten the valuable time required for becoming a proficient in music. CHAPTER XIX. CONCLUDING REMARKS. I will only add in conclusion, that it would be well not to continue too long with the same gymnastic exercise, but to allow the muscles and joints some change, which will be found both agreeable and advantageous. If, therefore, the student be tired of one exercise, he should begin another. Besides, if the fingers are fatigued and hot by playing, and the nerves irritated, an exercise of some of the different free or mechanical gymnastic appliances will refresh the muscles, by imparting to them a new and an easier movement. And be it remembered, “these exercises are not irksome, but recreative.” It may also be recommended in such cases, to dip the points of the fingers for half a minute into half a glassful of cold water, and let them get dry of themselves, thus cooling by evaporation; or still better, wash the hands with soap and water. To sum up: No student ought to begin to learn or to play the piano, violin, or other musical instrument, or even to engage in any work or occupation requiring a strong and flexible hand, before having set the joints of his fingers and hands in order, by means of preparatory gymnastic exercises; and he ought to continue the same from day to day. Let it ever be borne in mind that much rapid playing affects injuriously the muscles and nerves; while, on the other hand, _slow exercises and studies_ invigorate them.