erson's van? I have consulted a doctor on this point. He
is a doctor who for twenty-four years has had a large general practice
in a large flourishing suburb of London, inhabited by exactly such
people as you and me. He is a curt man, and his answer was curt:

"Most people sleep themselves stupid."

He went on to give his opinion that nine men out of ten would have
better health and more fun out of life if they spent less time in bed.

Other doctors have confirmed this judgment, which, of course, does not
apply to growing youths.

Rise an hour, an hour and a half, or even two hours earlier; and--if
you must--retire earlier when you can. In the matter of exceeding
programmes, you will accomplish as much in one morning hour as in two
evening hours. "But," you say, "I couldn't begin without some food,
and servants." Surely, my dear sir, in an age when an excellent
spirit-lamp (including a saucepan) can be bought for less than a
shilling, you are not going to allow your highest welfare to depend
upon the precarious immediate co-operation of a fellow creature!
Instruct the fellow creature, whoever she may be, at night. Tell her
to put a tray in a suitable position over night. On that tray two
biscuits, a cup and saucer, a box of matches and a spirit-lamp; on the
lamp, the saucepan; on the saucepan, the lid--but turned the wrong way
up; on the reversed lid, the small teapot, containing a minute quantity
of tea leaves. You will then have to strike a match--that is all. In
three minutes the water boils, and you pour it into the teapot (which
is already warm). In three more minutes the tea is infused. You can
begin your day while drinking it. These details may seem trivial to
the foolish, but to the thoughtful they will not seem trivial. The
proper, wise balancing of one's whole life may depend upon the
feasibility of a cup of tea at an unusual hour.

A. B.

CONTENTS

PREFACE

I THE DAILY MIRACLE
II THE DESIRE TO EXCEED ONE'S PROGRAMME
III PRECAUTIONS BEFORE BEGINNING
IV THE CAUSE OF THE TROUBLE
V TENNIS AND THE IMMORTAL SOUL
VI REMEMBER HUMAN NATURE
VII CONTROLLING THE MIND
VIII THE REFLECTIVE MOOD
IX INTEREST IN THE ARTS
X NOTHING IN LIFE IS HUMDRUM
XI SERIOUS READING
XII DANGERS TO AVOID

I

THE DAILY MIRACLE

"Yes, he's one of those men that don't know how to manage. Good
situation. Regular income. Quite enough for luxurie