A System of Physical Education, Theoretical and Practical (extract)

,,, ; I I 170 EXERCISES OF PROGRESSION. [SECT. II. to allow the throb of the heart and swell of the arteries and veins to subside and settle down, and the lungs to resume their peaceful tidal motion, and the air current in their cells its rythmical ebb and flow. In training for the performance of some difficult pedestrian feat, the exercise should be begun and con- ducted with the greater method and care, and all its separate features should be studied, and every other exercise enlisted in its service which can be brought to bear upon the parts of the body employed ; both as aids to local muscular power by developing the voluntary muscles directly engaged in locomotion, and the in- voluntary muscles and all parts of the frame engaged in respiration. In running, as in walking, there are three points to be specially observed,- lst. The length of stride. 2nd. The rapidity of step. 3rd. The endurance; or that stamina which en- ables a man to continue the exertion, and repeat indefinitely the step without reduc- tion of its other two qualities-of rapidity and length. For the first quality length of limb is undoubtedly the chief requisite, and may be said therefore rather to be inherited, when possessed, than acquired; although not entirely, as the freedom and fulness of the stride may be facilitated by promoting the mobility of the