THE HYGIENE OF BONES, NERVES, AND MUSCLES HOW TO GET AND KEEP A GOOD FIGURE Erect Position is the Result of Vigorous Health.

Naturally and properly, an erect, graceful figure and a good carriage have always been keenly desired; and much attention has been paid to the best means of acquiring them; as we say, we try to "get the habit" of carrying ourselves straight and well.

But it must be remembered that an erect figure and a good carriage are the results of health and vigor, rather than the cause of them.
Stooping, round shoulders, sitting "all hunched up," or a shuffling gait, are owing partly to bad habits, or "slouchiness," but chiefly to weak muscles and a badly-fed nervous system, often due to a poor digestion and a weak circulation.

If a child is not healthy and vigorous, then no amount of drilling or reminders to "sit straight" and "stand erect" will make him do so.
It is of great importance that the child should take an erect and correct position for reading and writing, and while sitting at his desk; and that the desk and the seat should fit him.

But it is more important that he should not sit at his desk in a stuffy room long enough to be harmed by a cramped position.
There are few children who will "hump over" at their desks, if the muscles of their backs and necks are strong and vigorous, and their brains well ventilated.