Pedestrianism

ancient gymnastics. 13 connected with this branch of the ancient gymnastics,we shall treat it more fully in the sequel. Leaping consisted in projecting the body jby a sudden spring, in which the competitors endeavoured to surpass each other in the length of their leap. Their bodies were poised and impelled forwards by weights of lead suspended in theirhands; and it is said, that Phaulus of Cretona acquiredsuch pro-, ficiency in this exercise as to leap fifty-two feet. Wrestling Th.is art required both strength and agility. The wrestlers were matched by lot j and the prize belonged to him who had thrice thrownhis adversaryon the ground. They rubbed their bodies with oil to elude the grasp, and to prevent too profuseperspiration. Throwing the Discus.—This sport con­ sisted in throwing a globular mass of iron, brass, or stone, underthe hand, in the man­ ner of the English quoit. It tried the strength