An Introductory Course of Modern Gymnastic Exercises (extract)

14 GYMNASTICS. for amateurs of running, leaping, wrestling, andspar­ ring. The advantages to be derived from such exer­ cises are not confined to the soldier and sailor,—their use is felt when we pursue the sports of the field. But their importance can only be known when we are call­ ed upon by emergencies ofunexpected danger—by fire, shipwrecks, the falling of bridges or buildings—to show the superiority resulting from the unshaken presence of mind and versatility of resources conferred by con­ sciousness of physical strength and nerve. Though last not least, clear heads and light hearts, the unfail­ ing concomitants of health, are the unfailing rewards of the zealous prosecution of Gymnastic exercises. I could give instances of immense increase of strength in most of my own pupils, but I prefer, as an illustra­ tion, copying from a record of the Gymnase Normal the following interesting notesof the progress made in his " Physical, Gymnastical, and Moral Education? by His R. H. the Duke of Bordeaux. Lieu de naissance Paris. Age Huit ans, six mois. Conformation clu corps Tres bonne. Temperament Sanguin. Sante Robuste. Couleur du visage Tres blanc. Couleur des yeux Bleue. Couleur des cheveux ..Blonde. Figure Ovale Caractere Inclination pour les exercices Tres grande. Dispositionpour lechant oupourille. le commandement