An Introductory Course of Modern Gymnastic Exercises (extract)

GYMNASTICS. 9 factory intelligence hasbeen transmitted to ns. Some of the later historians of Rome speak with consterna­ tion of the manner in which the Germans, by the aid of their long framece, bounded over the pikes of their adversaries' foremost rayks, or sprung upon their battle­ ments. Tacitus alludes to games in which the Ger­ man youth, stripped naked, showed their fearlessness, quickness of eye, and litheness of limb, by springing about among spears andnaked swords. These warlike exploits, and this scarce peaceful preparation, indicate long and effective athletic training. During the dark ages, the peculiar mode of carrying on war which gained the ascendency rendered it of the utmost importance that the knights and men-at- arms should be subjected to a severe physical educa­ tion. They were taught to bear during the heat of the day great loads of armour,—to carry huge burdens, —to run for a length of time,—to climb tall laddersby the aid of their arms alone,—to swim,—to ride the great horse,—to pushwith the spear against a target so arranged that he who missed or struck foul received a blow from a pole attached to it, at first on foot, after­ wards mounted. When theorganization of armies became reduced to a set of systematic rules,—when the art of war became a series of arithmetical calculations,—and, finally, when the invention of powder had lessened the superiority of bodily strength,—athletic exercises were less insisted upon. The separation of the military as a distinct class, the increasing sedentary and literary habits of civilians during the last century, increased the evil. Physical education became neglected almost in the