as independently and as orderly as their American sisters.

The games and sports sanctioned and encouraged in schools and universities
are useful, in that they afford diversion of the pupils' minds
from their school work. They should not, however, be indulged in
in such a way as to interfere with their studies. Take, as an example,
boat racing; several months of preparation are necessary
before the event takes place, and during a great portion of this time
the students do not think much of their studies; they are all
mad with excitement. The contest between the two rival parties is very keen;
they have but one thought, and that is to win the race. In this way,
at least so it seems to me, the main object of recreation is entirely
lost sight of; it becomes no longer an amusement, but labor and work.
I am told that the coxswain and the other members of the boat race
generally have to take a long rest when the race is over,
which clearly shows that they have been overworking.
I favor all innocent games and sports which mean recreation and diversion,
but if it be thought that without a contest games would lose
their relish and their fun, then I would suggest that the aim should be
the exhibition of a perfect body and absolute health. Let the students,
when they come to the recreation ground, indulge in any sport they please,
but make them feel that it is "bad form" to overstrain, or do anything which,
even temporarily, mars the perfect working of their physical organisms.
Let each student so train himself as to become healthy and strong
both physically and mentally, and the one who, through reasonable
and wholesome exercises, is able to present himself in the most perfect health
should be awarded the highest prize.