Instructions in All Kinds of Gymnastic Exercises (extract)

CHAPTER VI. LEAPING WITH A POLE. THIS is a kind of vaulting, in which the leaper, instead of supporting himself upon an intervening fixedobject, carries a pole with him, which he places exactly upon whatever spot he chooses. In supporting the body, during the leap, by a pole, a great deal depends upon the art of balancing, as well as the strength ofthe arms and legs ; notwithstanding which, the thing is much easier than it appears to be. THE HIGH LEAP WITH A POLE. The best pole to be used in this exercise, is the planed stem of a straight grown fir, about two inches thick at the bottom, and