TRAINING, applied in a sporting sense, implies the acquisition of the most vigorous and perfect health, and is used alike in reference to Men, horses, and dogs. An indi vidual is said to be trained " in condition," when lie has by certain processes rendered his frame as fit as it is possible fur it to be, for performing some feat of strength or endurance—such as nuclei going a pugilistic encounter, a wrestling match, or a trial of speed, or any other prolonged exertion. To accomplish this end, a long course of training is often gone through, in many instances of a very severe nature. It being necessary to divest the muscles of every particle of fatty tissue which can possibly be got off without direct injury to the health, it often happens that many pounds of flesh are required to be dispersed, and the most severe and continued exertion, the body being wrapped in thick suits of flannels, denominated " sweaters," is necessary. Constant hard and sharp exercise in this fashion, combined with rigid abstinence, and a strict regard to other established laws of the art, are a sine qud non in getting the body into the height of con dition. For example, however thirsty the person training may be, after perhaps ten miles' rapid walking in a triple suit of sweaters, he must drink but very sparingly, for although he may have taken off pounds of flesh by profuse perspiration, one glass of ale would undo the whole effect. Great attention to diet is necessary. Indeed, much of
the system may, as a modern writer has aptly expressed it, he laid down in the resolute performance of the three cardinal virtues—temperance, soberness, and chastity. Almost.
the same course is pursued toward animals; and whether for hunting or racing. horses and dogs have to submit to a course of training to bring them into condition. Lately, the Turkish bath, as a means of procuring the necessary reduction flesh without such excessive labor, has been found a most efficient ally in training. Out of condition, the muscles are flabby, confused, and coated with fat; the skin dead and lifeless; the eye dull and heavy; the lungs laboring, and the movements slow. In condition, the muscles stand out hard, clear, and defined ; the tendons show like cords; the skin is clear and ruddy; the eye bright; the lungs play with unrestrained freedom; and the whole frame is endued with vigor and perfect activity. Animals, from their less artificial existence, require far less training than men to bring them into condition.