The work necessary to reduce or otherwise bring the pugilist into something like condition will be, of course, nearly if not precisely similar to the training required for a pedestrian or other match. The physicing will require great attention; all drastic and griping medicines are to be avoided, if possible, and cases will occur from time to time where no medicine ought to be given whatever. The man in one of these instances will be in a low state, and require feeding and training up. In another, the body will be in so open and relaxed a state that the prescribing and giving the usual dose would be followed to a certainty by the patient training right off, and failing into a low and prostrate condition. In the general state of health, however, which characterizes the pugilist when matched to fight (with a full habit of body, flushed countenance, and a pulse full and slow), the usual dose, salts, etc., may be introduced with advantage, but the quantities and frequent use left to the usual habit of the man, or to the judgment of the trainer. The physicing and preparation for the hard work should occupy the first week; and the number of sweats taken during the second week should be regulated by the state of inside and the loose flesh on the body. A sharp run will soon show the state of the inside by the state of “the bellows,” whether the wind is short or not, and the manner in which the looser flesh shakes when sparring is a pretty fair criterion of there being a good quantity of outside superfluity to get away. He ought to be rubbed down after his runs and fast walks, and dry clothes put on in a warm, dry room. The loss of weight should be gradual. If, on the contrary, the loss be too rapid, and continue daily, the reducing system must cease, and feeding up take the place of sweating for a few days until the system is restored. The meals, of course, must be taken regularly, and consist of the same kind of animal food as recommended previously, and the beverage most suited to the constitution of the man taken in small quantities—the kind and quantity, of course, being left to the judgment of the trainer. Wine is principally given when the man has to be trained up, and then good old port wine will be found to be of the most service. The pugilists of the present day strengthen the arms, loins, and shoulders by hitting out at a striking-bag suspended from a beam, and a large bladder hung in like manner; by exercise with pulleys, the ropes passing over wheels and having weights attached; plenty of practice with the gloves, diversified with the use of a skipping-rope, and finally, but by no means of minor importance, by continual sharp practice with dumb-bells of about seven pounds weight or under. Good condition in the pugilist will be shown by the healthy state of the skin, which will be clear, with a ruddy tinge underneath, as well as soft, with the muscles underneath swelling and feeling firm to the touch at every movement of the limb or portion under manipulation. The eye will be clear and bright, and a look of confidence and ease of mind characterize the expression and looks of the athlete. As regards the pickle for the hands and face, the nostrums for the first are legion, and one as good as another; but we believe that nothing is better than the simple juice of a lemon for the latter, and which will be found to answer every intended purpose.

The trainer ought to be chosen with regard to his conversational powers, as well as for his knowledge of what is requisite for the physical health of his pupil, that he may amuse and instruct him to the fullest extent of his power. The trainer should inform him, if possible, of all the peculiarities of the antagonist, his mode of attack and method of defense, the weak points of his temper, or any physical deficiency under which he might labor, as well as the manner in which he may have won or lost any previous battle. And, as in many cases the first or second telling may not have the effect of raising the curiosity of his man, the patience of the trainer should not give way under the repetition before the slow and obtuse curiosity is roused to such an extent that the pugilist commences the interrogation in his turn, and becomes anxious in his inquiries for information, which will almost invariably be the case when he finds out the importance that the trainer’s continued repetitions have invested the apparent trifles with.