Instructions in All Kinds of Gymnastic Exercises (extract)

ful speed and security of foot, as well as the long and uncomplaining endurance of ex­ ertion, among the Indians, is well known to all. The English too, of late, have excelled in this branch of exercise to a most remark­ able degree. The newspapers of every day record feats which give ample proof of how much has been done in this respect, and at the same time clearly shew that the limit to which exertion in walking may be carried, has by no means been attained. Few things are of more importance, either for the pre­ servationor restorationof health, than walk­ ing; and when an easy gait has been ha­ bitually acquired, there is so much less fatigue in it that we are by the increased facility and agreeableness of the exercise, inducedmore frequently to apply to it. It is well known that numbers of people have lost their health, by the neglect of exercise, and this neglect has often been caused by the fatigue and discomfort superinduced by an aukward habit of walking. If it were not for the greater fatigue attendantupon walk­ ing, there can be no doubt that it wouldbe far preferred for pleasure to every kind of conveyance, and it is certain, that by well- directed practice, this fatigue may be di- b 2