a hobby can be almost anything a person likes to do in his spare time. hobbyists raise pets, build model ships, hunt animals, climb mountains, raise flowers, fish, ski, skate,and swim. hobbyists also paint pictures, attend concerts and plays, and perform on musical instruments.they collect everything from books to butterflies, and from shells to stamps.

　　people take up hobbies because these activities offer enjoyment, friendship,knowledge and relaxation. sometimes they even yield financial profit. anyone, rich or poor, old or young, sick or well, can follow a satisfying hobby.

　　hobbies can help a person's mental and physical health.doctors have found that hobbies are valuable in helping patients recover from physical or mental illness. hobbies give bedridden or wheel chair patients something to do, and provide interests that keep them from thinking about themselves.

　　many hospitals treat patients by having them take up interesting hobbies or pastimes.

　　in early times, most people were too busy making a living to have many hobbies. but some persons who had leisure did enjoy hobbies. the ancient egyptians played games with balls made of wood or pottery. people today have more time than ever before for hobbies. machines have reduced the amount of time they must spend on their jobs. those who have developed hobbies never need to worry about what to do with their newly-found leisure hours.

　　william osier, a famous canadian doctor, expressed the value of hobbies by saying, "no man is really happy or safe without a hobby."