A hobby can be almost anything a person likes to do in his (36) time. Hobbyists raise pets, build (37) ships, weave baskets, or carve soap (38) . They watch birds, hunt animals, climb (39) , raise flowers, fish, ski, skate, and swim. Hobbyists also paint pictures (40) concerts and plays, and perform on musical (41) . They collect everything from books to (42) , and from shells to stamps.
People take up hobbies because these activities offer enjoyment, friendship, knowledge, and (43) . Sometimes they even yield financial profit. (44) . Hobbies also offer interesting activities for persons who have retired. Anyone, rich or poor, old or young, sick or well, can follow a satisfying hobby, regardless of his age, position, or income.
(45) . Doctors have found that hobbies are valuable in helping patients recover from physical or mental illnesses. Hobbies give bedridden or wheel-chair bound patients something to do, and provide interests that keep them from thinking about themselves. (46) .
