An Introductory Course of Modern Gymnastic Exercises (extract)

GYMNASTICS. 39 birth and the beauty of Highlands and Lowlands; and last, though not least, we have in the centre of our own metropolis the Six-Feet Club, instituted for the ex­ press encouragement, practice, and promotion of all na­ tional and manly games. The hammers used for this exercise vary in weight from 10 to 22 lbs.; the shaft or handle is made of thin ash, and long according to the status of the thrower. If the weight be under 14 lbs., throw single-handed, with one or more turns of the body; if from that to 18 lbs., throw with both hands and with one turn; if above that weight, throw with both hands and without a turn. The second mode is generally deemed the most effi­ cient and graceful, andbest calculated for concentrating the muscular powers of the thrower. The following throws, correctly measured from a ground-mark, over which no part of the body was allowed to pass, stand at the head of recorded hammer- throwing of the present day : First mode, 10 lbs. hammer. The medal was gained in 1828, at St Ronan's, by Mr Scougall. Distance thrown, 115 feet. Second mode, hammer between 16 and 17 lbs. weight. The distance thrown by Adam Wilson, Esq., which gained the Six-Feet Club medal, was 91 feet. The St Ronan's Border Club medal was also gained by this gentleman. Best throw, 87 feet. The Six-Feet Club medal was gained last year by Martin, Esq. Best throw, 81 feet. Third mode, 22 lbs. hammer. The best recorded throws are 66, 68, and 70 feet.