Pedestrianism

so ANCIENT GYMNASTICS. " but only for a superiority of virtue and glory!" The physical, political,and moral influence of the gymnastic exercises on the bodies and minds of the Greeks, was thus evinced by their superior beauty and strength —their strict observance of the laws of their country —their bravery in war—and by their tem­ perance, sobriety, and industry, in civil life. Of all the Olympic games, the FOOT-RACE, as we have previously remarked, heldthe fore­ most rank. Homer distinguishes Achilles by the epithet " swift of footand, whether as conducive to health, useful in the affairs of life, or important in the operations of war, pedestrian exercises must be considered as of the utmost consequence to mankind. The human frame is peculiarly calculated for acti­ vity and exertion; and it should be remem­ bered, that it is by E XERCISE and L ABOUR that man is enabled to preserve his health, in­ crease his strength, improve the faculties of his mind, and procure his subsistence. Among the ancient Greeks and Romans, there