Chapter XXVIII

Conclusion.

In bringing this volume to a close it will, perhaps, be both proper and appropriate to give a brief description of Ben Hogan’s personal appearance and mental characteristics.

A study of the illustration to be found in the beginning of the book will give a fair idea of our hero’s physiognomy. It will be observed that he has a pleasant and strongly-outlined face. The brow is broad, the eyes bright and piercing, giving the appearance that they are black, but being really of a deep blue; the nose is straight and shapely, and the chin well-turned. He wears a dark mustache, which hides a mouth indicative of great firmness.

Altogether, Ben Hogan’s face is one which attracts the beholder, and it is extremely doubtful whether anybody would select its owner for a prize fighter.

In hight, Ben stands five feet and eight inches. Ordinarily he weighs one hundred and eighty-five pounds, although he has reduced this to a much lower figure, when in training. He is exceedingly well built, straight as an arrow, and active in his movements. He has a chest which would do honor to Apollo, while his shoulders are broad enough for another Atlas. His muscles are like steel, and his limbs compact and trim. He dresses neatly, sometimes elaborately even, but never in flashy taste. Meeting him upon the street in his usual dark clothes, with the silk hat and cane which he invariably carries, one might take him to be a successful business man or a thriving lawyer or possibly a sensational preacher.

He is generally quiet and unobtrusive in his manner, although perfectly independent and self-reliant. His powers of conversation are really remarkable, and no one would suspect from his speech that he was a foreigner. He is always a hail fellow well met, and forms a pleasant companion for an hour’s chat. The secret of his success lies largely in his powers of observation, and his ability to read men’s characters. As the foregoing pages will abundantly show, he is possessed of great energy, indomitable pluck, and rare executive abilities.

In his domestic life he is regular and abstemious. He eats largely of meat, and is fond of raw beef, which he believes to be wholesome and strengthening. He is a very moderate drinker, rarely, if ever, touching strong liquors, and partaking of wine and beer in moderate quantities. The only excess of which he can be said to be guilty is that of smoking, as he is seldom seen without a cigar. Those who meet Hogan for the first time are invariably surprised at his intelligence and gentlemanly bearing.

It should be remembered that he is still in the prime of life. His exploits in the future may furnish material some time for another volume, although it is doubtful whether its hero can be styled The Wickedest Man in the World.

AN ESSAY ON PHYSICAL CULTURE AND THE ART OF ARRESTING DISEASE, AND OF BUILDING UP A ROBUST AND HEALTHY MANHOOD.

By BEN HOGAN, THE CELEBRATED ATHLETE AND TRAINER.

TO THE PUBLIC.

As several Physicians of eminence, and other noted personages, have done me the honor to ask, on more than one occasion, for my views on Physical Culture, and the best method of building up a Healthy and Robust Manhood, the confidence which these gentlemen have invariably expressed in my system of physical training induces me to present, most respectfully, the few succeeding pages to all who may be interested in this, the most vital of subjects.

BEN HOGAN.

Sinclair House, New York, May 1st, 1878.

RECEPTION OF BEN HOGAN AFTER HIS LECTURE ON PHYSICAL CULTURE.