Instructions in All Kinds of Gymnastic Exercises (extract)

iv preface. have been left to the invention of children, whose supreme command over their own sports has never been denied or molested. The consequence is, that the hoursof exer­ cise are turned to very small account as re­ gards their original destination. The only advantage obtainedby time spent in recrea­ tion, at present, is the relaxationof the mind. The body is left to take care of itself. It often happens,that plays and games which serve the one purpose, are injurious to the other; fora little reflectionwill convince any one that the sports practised in schools, and by children in general, are by no means well adaptedto formor invigorate the muscular powers. In many instances they are, on the contrary, calculated to injure the frame, and superin­ duce bad habits and awkwardmotions. The object of this work is to turn the attention of teachersto this most important branch of physical education,and to introduce a system of bodily exercise, which, while it formscon­ siderable amusement, and total relaxationof the mental faculties, brings into a full and