An Introductory Course of Modern Gymnastic Exercises (extract)

GYMNASTICS. 37 exercise which brings the body into active and healthy exertion, increasing the elasticity of the limbs, improv­ ing the lungs, and giving the pupil a firmness on the legs and a power in the arms otherwise not easily ac­ quired. Quickness of eye, and accuracy in measuring dis­ tances, are acquired by the practice of boxing; and I may add, that our confidence must necessarily be in­ creased in the moment of danger by a knowledge of our own power and resources. When I speak of boxing, I mean that friendly sort of imitation battle called " Sparring," practised by gentlemen, not with the "cestus," but with well-stuffed soft gloves, and that under the eye of some master who has sufficient influ­ ence to prevent any loss of temper, or the attempt of any thing beyond that useful practice, which will ad­ vance the mental and physical power of his pupils. Riding, Walking, and Running, are exercises re­ quiring activity, perseverance, and strength; and I should add, as a nation our recorded equestrian and pedestrian feats might challenge Europe, had I not be­ fore me the startling statement, that three Frenchmen, named Gervois, Labat, and Stumon, can run a French league in ten minutes. This surpassesany thing inour sporting annals; and were these gentlemen in England, they might by this superior fleetness soon run off with a fortune. Archery, oneof our most ancient and manly recrea­ tions, is still kept up with great spirit in many partsof England and Scotland ; and although its champions suc­ cumb to Sir Walter Scott's hero of Ivanhoe, yet the spirit of emulation, which urges them on to excellence c