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

1G4 EXERCISES OF PROGRESSION. [SECT. JI, lifted upward and forward, ~vith every extensor muscle relaxed, and every joint mobile and free, and with a slight lateral oscillation of the body, marking the advance and rest of the foot, right and left, which is percepti1le in the jostle and separation of two men walking at close order without keeping step. The foot is not placed flat, or all at once, upon the ground- indeed in rapid walking the whole of the foot is never on the ground at tl1e same time. The heel first meets the ground, and the contact gradually extends· from it to the toes, the heel being lifted by the time this act is accomplished. The arms are allowed to swing to front and rear in alternated action with the lower limbs c. The remarkable mechanism of the human foot itself emphatically teaches the manner of its use. The heel, which first comes in contact with the ground and receives the whole superimposed weight, is composed c It must be premised that it is difficult, if not impossible, to lay down la.ws and rules to be observed by all in the performance of these three modes of progression, or, as they may be termed, natltral exercises-walking, running, and leaping. It is found that many men, from organization or habit, have a mannerism, i.e. a special mode of gait, action, or preserving position, which although an error on general grounds, has, from such special cause~:~, become serviceable to them, ancl which to alter would often be to reduce not to add to their power. Where such distinctive mannerism exists the aim should rather be to cultivate the natural capacities in this particular style of execution to its highest point, always admitting that the mannerism would not disqualify the effort in competitive trials.