THE EFFECTS OF CYCLING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6362, 17 December 1898, Page 7

THE EFFECTS OF CYCLING.

(By A CYCLING. DOCTOR.)

When an appreciably large proportion of the inhabitants of a nation, and a still greater proportion of its female sex, makes a very radical change in its habits— in its mode of life — within the short space of some three years, it goes without saying that generations yet unborn will feel the effects of this change, be the influence for good or ill. Once before in these pages has it teen remarked that a species of physical Magna Charfca was granted to womankind when it became, not only permissible, but fashionable, for girls and women to become cyclists. To a lesser extent the craze has influenced men as well as the opposite sex ; for, even in those cases in which the devotees of the pastime of the age were previously engaged in some form or another of ■ athletics, the particular mode. has, in many cases, been altered through the popularity of the hi-'' cycle — horsemen have become wheelmen, the football and cricket fields have, been abandoned for the road or track, and the j newer sport has such advantages on its side — can so easily engross more attention, and take up more time on account of its convenience and its complete lack cf dependence upon the co-operation of other fellow-sports-men — that the effect of cycling on future generations is sure to bo influenced by the present 'physical iacprovement of the" men as well as bf the women of the land. In the opinion of soma of the enemies of cyditig, the ntxt geneTtition — •tbe sons and daughters of to-day's cyclists — will be a degenerate lot, with stooping shoulders, weak knees, and a hereditary predisposition to anxiety of expression and starting of eyes, and with a .general tendency to the early development of obscura nervous lesion?. Thus, our enemies at least acknowledge the far-reaching effects of cyciing on the physical developments of our descendants. We, however, who are cyclists, and especially those of us who are medical men and cyclists too, take a more optimistic view I of the future of our race as the outcome of wheeling. One medical man, who has written frequently upon cycling in its relation to health, has, for some years back, been noticing when possible, the relative height, development and general energy and staying-power of Lis young girl patients ancl their mothers. He states that lie has found thab even since " the sex " has been accorded the minor physical enfranchisement of lawn tennis, gymnastics, swimming, or, perhaps, sometimes cricket, there has been a marked improvement in the physique of tlie daughters who have had sucli athletic advantages over the mothers who, in thenday {this refers chiefly to the middle chsses) took little exercise more vigorous than a game of croquet, gentle carriage exercise, or a " genteel " walk. The daughters are taller, more robust, more ersct, have more grace of carriage, and — tliis should appeal to all fair readers — are of a more handsome type than their mothers, taken as a whole. But if this change for the better- is to be noticed in those who have only had the limited health -giving advantages conferred by the sports mentioned above, which are nearly always bound to be fitful — that is, they can only be enjoyed on certain occasions, under certain restricted conditions, and during particular times of the year — what will be the state of things amongst the grand-children of the present hardy race of cyclists of both sexes?

Sonic such results as these are expected to follow. The constant enjoyment ol exercise in the open air, and the possible exposure to various ty,pes of weather, will increase lung capacity and diminish susceptibility to disease, especially to " colds. " The actual exercise' itself "will strengthen the mus&les and digestion, improve the strength and vitality, and thus assist the gi owing and strengthening capacity of the body. And as the natural result of constant open-air exercise is to lessen the time spent indoors, often iii over-heated and vitiated atmospheres, as well as diminishing the number of hours spent in sedentary pursuits, it is probable that there will be a corresponding diminution in cases of antemia, chest diseases, " nerves," and hysteria. Life will almost certainly be prolonged, and, what is better still, it will become more enjoyable ; for ill-health and active out-door exercise are barely compatible. But these effects are already beginning | to be seen in both sexes, but especially in the case of girls and women, for whom the change has, of course, been more radical. What of the more distant future — say a hundred years hence? Fortunately, the prophet who usually foretells the events of a century in. advance has no chance & suliering the mortification of being compelled to eat his words, so I may say with confidence that, if cycling has " come to stay," and if the sport bz judiciously enjoyed and not abused,, there will be a vast improvement in tliQ human rage a century hence, on its eveiing account alone. Our grand-daughters, and even great great grand-daughters, will especially benefit ; but even in fifty years it j§ considered that the race will show marked siyns of physical and mental advance.' Our girls of that d;ty will be capablb of mucn greater endurance under physical exertiou, and of greater resistance to the inroads of disease, and especially infectious disease. The style of dress will, probably be greatly modified in style and weight, and hence there will be less susceptibility to changes of temperature and weather, for the race will be more " hardened." Cycling, with its calls upon one's selfreliance, stamina, nerve and pluck, will certainly lessen the number of " delicate," nervous and helpless females; and the fascination of the wheel will allure many daughters of the leisured class from over much novel reading, moping, introspection and sentimentality — thus the race -promises to be more healthy minded. In short, the introduction — first of the safety-bicycle, and then of the pneumatic tyre — seems to eive promise of successive generations of healthy, hearty and handsome . girls and boys, who will have a particularly good chance of prolonged, vigorous and enjoyable lives.

A Hardship on the Afflicted.— It is. well known to the medical profession 'that Caiinabia India, or Indian Cigarettes, made by : Grimault and Co., of Paris, are the only prompt mean's of relieving asthma, difficulty of breathing and insomnia ; and tbe existing duty of 44 per cent ia an excesaJTo expense to theso suffcrerß.X22sl