Pedestrianism

ANCIENT GYMNASTICS. 23 strict, that for more than ten centuries they attractedthe particularattention of the civi­ lized world; and, amidst the revolutions of statesand empires, they seemed to standon a basis of perpetual duration. To gain the Olympic crownwas the great objectof solici­ tude, as it reflected the highest honor, not on the individual alone who obtained the prize, but also on the country which gave himbirth. But to qualify the candidate for the combat, a long course of training was requisite; andin every city, the youth were instructed in the different branches of the i gymnastic science, and regularly exercised by proper masters. The republics of Greece were warlike in their constitution j and they were eager to formthe bodies, as well as the mindsof their youth. The importance of the athletic exer­ cises was apparent to those who understood the nature of the humanframe, which, from experience, they knew could be strengthened by the practice of the gymnasium, at the same time that the mindwas invigoratedby con-