An Introductory Course of Modern Gymnastic Exercises (extract)

38 GYMNASTICS. in all their sports^has not forsaken them in their pur­ suit of this graceful and healthy amusement. The elite of modern archers are to be found in the Toxopholite Societyin England and the King's Body- Guard for Scotland. Cricket isso indisputably our own, that I need say nothing on the subject. Single Stick has now but a small number of ad­ mirers, and its professors are of course still more li­ mited,—in fact, we seldomsee it practised but for inter­ ested motives. As an exercise for gentlemen, I cannot recommend it. Fives, or Hand-ball, Quoits, and Bowls, are English, andhave many amateurs,—they aredecid­ edly good exercises. Putting the Stone and Throwing the Hammer come more appropriately under thehead of Scotch Gymnas­ tics. There are instances in theHighlands of celebrity in throwing the hammer being handed down from fa­ ther to son, for generations, as a distinguishing family characteristic. In one of Sir Walter Scott's works it is most graphically described in the struggle between Norman Nan Ord and his favourite Hal o' the Wynd, —a perfect prince amongst the gymnasts of that age. The Scottishnational games are kept up at the pre­ sent day, by the nobility and gentry, with a spirit that shows they are aware of the importance of preserving the physical strength and energy of themselves and their dependants. The St Fillan's Club, meeting in that enchanting spot at the foot of Loch Earn, in Nature's own amphitheatre, —the St Ronan'sBorder Club, assembling on the banks of the Tweed,—draw together every year the pride of