'< ^ as I- ^ 11 N r; ^_^ -' » ft S ^ ^\0 <> 'o, ,-* ^'\ -v^' "\ '' d' o . >; '■ . -7 . y.-^ ^ / % MANUAL OF Physical Exercises COMPRISING GYMNASTICS, ROWING, SKATING, FENCING, CRICKET, CALISTHENICS, SAILING, SWIMMING, SPARRING, BASE BALL. TOGETHER WITH RULES FOR TRAINING and SANITARY SUGGESTIONS. By WILLIAM ^yOOD, INSTRUCTOR IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION. tSS&itt) ®nc l^untireH nrCQ SCtoents^^filie Xllusttations. JV£JV YORK: HARPER & BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS, FRANKLIN SQUARE. Cvioi . W6S" Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Southern District of New Yorli. PREFACE. In presenting to the public this work, I feel very sensi- bly my inadequacy in appearing in the capacity of an author. Trained almost from infancy to a profession which rendered mental study impossible, and having only by dint of perseverance got Avhat little education has fallen to my share in much the same manner that a chick- en gets his breakfast — picking up a kernel of information in one corner and another in the next — all the acquii'e- ments which I pretend to claim are based alone upon the common branches of English learning and common sense. Yet, it seems to me, a man who has mastered any thing worth knowing may, if he will simply tell what he has learned, write something which it will be of advantage to others to read. I have written what I know, and what I judge would be well for others to know. I have been for many years engaged as an instructor in Gymnastic and Athletic Exercises. Very many of the first families of the City of New York have been mem- bers of my institution. The young, the middle-aged, and the old can testify to the benefits derived while they were members of the same. PEEFACE. My chief design in writing tliis work is to promote a love for physical culture. Is not such culture needed? Look at the great number of our young men and women, and see what a narrow-chested, sallow-complexioned, slight-formed race they are. But, thank God, this will soon j)ass away. Institutions for Physical Education ai-e springing up in all parts of our country. Our great men of learning, presidents of nearly if not quite every col- lege or university in the land, have lent their aid to pro- mote the good work. Our students hereafter will gradu- ate not only with clear heads hut with sound bodies. Far be it from me to advise less attention to be paid to the mind. But it is certain that an unhealthy body will sooner or later affect the mind. Moreover, no man lives for himself alone. The present generation are fathers and mothers of generations to come. By the fixed laws of nature, the present gives impress to the future, as the past has given form to the present. The children of healthy parents will, as a rule, be healthy. The children of infirm parents, as a rule, will be infirm. Every one should therefore feel that the strength and character of future generations depend upon the more frequent use of Gymnastic and Out-door Exercises. Ath- letic culture is intended to restore the just proportion of the two principal parts of human Education — Mental and Physical. It is the bounden duty of every person to take care of the Body, and develop it as well as the PKEFACE. 7 Mind : consequently Gymnastic Exercises should form an essential part of Education. I Where man exists, there Athletic Games have or at I least ought to have a place. They are the property of mankind ; not confined to any nation or country. They will, of course, assume a different form in different cli- mates and different states of civilization, etc., but the essence remains the same — culture of the human body. In conclusion, I venture to express the hoj)e that this * work may foster a taste for Physical Culture, to the end that the Body and Mind may both be improved. All good works that we do in this world inspire us with a love that is pure in thought, beautiful in expression, and moral in tendency. WM. WOOD. New York, Aut/ust, 1867. CONTENTS, CHAPTER I.— Peeliminary 11- 16 CHAPTER II. — Sanitary Benefits oe Gymnastics 17- 28 CHAPTER III. — Prepaeatoky Exercises 29-73 IVith Fifty Illustrations. CHAPTER IV.— Indian Club Exercise 74- 88 With Twenty Illustrations. CHAPTER v.— Rowing 91-124 With Two Illustrations. CHAPTER VI.— Sailing 125-132 CHAPTER VII.— Record OP Matches 133-141 CHAPTER VIIL— Rules POR Regattas 142-151 CHAPTER IX.— Savimming 152-160 With Six Illustrations. CHAPTER X.— Skating 161-166 CHAPTER XL— Cricket ,^. 169-182 With Six Illustrations. CHAPTER XII.— Base Ball 185-202 CHAPTER XIII. —Fencing 205-225 With Seventeen Illustrations. CHAPTER XIV.— The Broadsavord 226-234 With Twelve Illustrations. CHAPTER XV.— Salutes 235-236 With Eight Illustrations. CHAPTER XVI.— Sparring OE Boxing 287-253 CHAPTER XVII.— Te-uning 257-283 CHAPTER XVIII. —Rules pok Health 287-290 CHAPTER XIX.— Suggestions UPON Health 291-306 CHAPTER XX.— Recoed of Time 307-316 1. (ipnnstirs ml €tiM^mm. CHAPTER I. Peeliminaky 11 — 10 CHAPTER n. Sanitaky Benefits of Gymnastics IT — 2S CHAPTER III. PKErAKATORY ExEKCISES IN GYMNASTICS 29—73 With Fifty Illustrations. CHAPTER IV. Indian Club Exekoise *. 74— 8S With Tioenttj Illustrations. • MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. CHAPTER I PKELIMIKAET. • I PROPOSE in the outset to give a brief general resume of the toj^ics which will be presented at length in the succes- sive chapters of this work : Gymnastics and Calisthenics. — One thousand different and distinct exercises, from the simplest motion suitable for children and injalids, to the most difficult for the gymnast and athlete. These will be fully illustrated in the proper place. Mowing and Sailing. — Upon these beautiful and invigor- ating exercises, pastime and amusement, I flatter myself that I am fully competent to speak and instruct, having had much practical experience. To the beginner I promise that row- ing will be made easy, and to many who have become more or less proficient, that their skill and science in handling the oars or sculls will be enhanced. The correct position of the body, the position of the hands upon the oars or sculls, the stroke, the placing of the oar in the water, the " feather- ing," or finishing of the stroke, will be fully explained. I shall give full and ample directions as to what should be done, and when and how to do it. I shall present sugges- 12 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL :5:XEECISES. tions for the management of crews of foui*, six, and eight oars. I shall give plain and simple rules for the manage- ment of sail-boats. I shall show how to control and work them without the use of rudder or oar. I shall give a record of boating in the United States, from 1824 to the present time ; shall note the contests between the English universities of Oxford and Cambridge for the last thirty- six years; shall give the "time" of each crew, and also that of "Professionals," whether with sculls or oars, with the weight of each man. I shall furnish such other information upon this subject as may seem advisable. Fencing. — ^This art stands unrivaled both as an accom- plishment and as an exercise. It is scientific and at the same time graceful ; and it is in this sense that it will be treated. Fencing causes more muscles to act at the same time than almost any other exercise. It promotes the ex- pansion of the chest and improves respiration, whereby the functions of the most important organs of the body are more perfectly performed. The French and German schools will be explained and made easy by eighty different exer- cises ; it will be so plain and so well illustrated, that passing through the school will be a pleasant exercise and the prac- tice a pleasure. The illustrations in this chapter will be copies from photographs taken from experts in actual position. They will therefore show every movement and attitude involved in the art. €ricJcet. — The game of Cricket is one of the noblest of English pastimes. It combines athletic power, grace, quick- ness of eye and of hand, nimbleness of leg, and scientific skill. In England it is played by high and low, rich and poor, man and boy. I shall describe the origin of the game of single and double wicker ; shall show the arrangement of the field ; shall lay down the recognized laws of the PEELIMINAEY. 13 Igame ; shall note the duties of umpires ; and shall append (general hints upon dress and the like. I Swimming. — I shall explain the first practice before en- tering the water ; shall treat of aids to swimmiug ; striking out; plunging and diving; of swimming under water, on the side or on the back, without using the feet; of floating; of treading water ; of the fling on the back ; of the double thrust, to imitate the swimming of a dog ; of the wheel back- ward and forward. I trust that this chapter will be of special service. This is an accomplishment so easily acquired, and so invaluable to every one, whether as a means of personal preservation or of saving others, that no one can be justified in neglecting to acquire it. Next after reading and writing, every youth of either sex should be taught to swim. Skating. — In this chapter will be found general direc- tions to be followed by those learning to skate : the for- ward roll, back roll, and the Dutch roll ; inside edge and the outside edge ; the Figure 3, Figure 8, I shall also give directions for the modes of exercise adapted to strengthen the lower limbs, to give firmness and balance to the body, and how to obviate the danger of taking cold while engaged in this fascinating exercise. The Indian Club. — ^This is a very gi-aceful and beneficial exercise. It is easily acquired, and can be practiced at the office or dwelling of every person. The whole upper part of the body from the waist is called into action ; and these are the very parts that require practice, especially in those who lead a sedentary mode of life. To all, this exercise will be found to do good service in strengthening and im- proving the system. In this exercise very little muscular exertion is required at first. The clubs range in weight from four to forty pounds. The beginner will of course commence with the light club, or those in proportion to his 14 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXEECISES.. strength ; and as he improves in skill and power, he will in- crease the weight. I shall give fifty separate and distinct motions. Many of the plainer ones ladies might practice, and find them of immense good in expanding the chest and improving the form and carriage. The explanations will be so plain and the illustrations so perfect, that any one will be enabled to use the clubs without the least trouble or in- convenience. Jiase Ball. — This may be truly called the American Na- tional Game. There is scarcely a city or town or village in the United States where 'this invigorating and manly exer- cise is not to some extent enjoyed. I shall describe the rise and progress of Base Ball ; shall give the Rules and Regula- tions of the National Association, with a diagram of the ground and correct measurements, and the position of each player. I shall give full instructions for batting, and set forth the duties of umpires. In brief, I j^ropose that this chapter shall be in itself a Manual of our National Athletic Game. Boxing or Sparring. — It is only within a few years that this exercise has with us been practiced to any extent. I wish it to be distinctly understood that I shall treat of it only as an exercise in gymnastics, although I am satisfied it has other advantages, the principal one of which is that it gives self-confidence in one's own ability in the hour of trial or danger. The practice of it renders every part of the body quick, active, and capable of preserving the balance in almost every position. And instead of feeling timid in time of danger, as many nervous men are apt to do, one Avho has acquired this art, even to a moderate degree, will remain cool and collect*ed, for the exercise that he has taken will not only have strengthened his muscles, but will also have improved his whole nervous system. He will not be apt to PEELIMINAEY. 15 lose presence of mind at the moment it is most needed. Take for example, a man of weak nerves, possessing no knowledge of sparring or how to defend himsQjf : he would be so frightened at the appearance of danger as to be utter- ly unable to make any resistance. I assert without the fear of contradiction that the knowledge of sparring even to a limited extent would, if walking with wife, mother, sister or friend, and bein^ insulted by a rowdy, make him feel more confidence that he was able to stand up like a man, and pro- tect those in his charge, and hand the bully over to the hands of the proper authorities. Every physical accomplishment is, like every other good thing, liable to abuse or misuse. The accomplished penman may become a forger; but that is no reason why a man should 4iot learn to write neatly or elegantly. A gentleman AYill use but never abuse the knowledge of the art of self- defense ; and I write only for gentlemen. I speak from personal knowledge when I say that many of our first men in this country have taken lessons and acquired the knowl- edge of sparring well. Among these are statesmen, minis- ters, physicians, lawyers, and besides many of the most wealthy and respectable men in the city ; and they will all, without exception, acknowledge that they have been bene- fited and much pleased Avith the exercise. It strengthens and .gives tone to the muscles, quickens and improves the eye, and in fact invigorates the whole body. Corpulency. — In this chapter will be found hints on corpu- lency, and directions how to prevent and how to remove it. The foregoing are mere hints as to the general scope of the topics which will be treated in this work, which I shall aim to render what its title imports : A complete " Manual of Physical Exercises," and therefore in no inconsiderable degree a Guide to Health. 16- MANUAL OP PHYSICAL p;XEECISES. To give instruction upon these subjects has been the oc- cupation of my life. I look upon it as a profession, which if worthily pursued is eminently worthy, adding as it does to the sum of human happiness and well-being. SANITARY BENEFITS OF GYMNASTICS. 17 CHAPTER II. SANITARY BENEFITS OF GYMNASTICS. The introduction of gymnastic exercises into the system of education will constitute a remarkable epoch in the an- nals of history. The social order has long claimed securi- ties which the real interest of nations Avill no longer admit of being deferred, as there are not only laws but institu- tions which reason and the wants of the age imperiously demand. The great object of exercise during infancy and youth is to promote the growth and strength of the body and to render the perceptions more acute. The games and diver- sions of children, therefore, should be directed toward good and useful habits, and against the introduction of bad ones. Nature has implanted in the young an earnest desire to romp, to run, to play at ball, and to use other bodily exer- cises. The construction of the human body proves indeed that it needs exercise in order to enjoy perfect health. Physical exercise is as necessary in the early stages of life as mental education. It i^ j\§tonishing how many perish by what may be fitly termed the disease of education. Multi- tudes die every year of this disorder. It should never be forgotten that the human being consists of body as well as of mind, and that both, being the work of the Creator, de- serve our utmost care. In order of time, indeed, the cul- ture of the body takes precedence of that of the mind j after a while they go on together. The grand secret of educa- 18 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. tion is that the exercise of the body and that of the mind should be so continued as always to serve as a relaxation from each other. The exercises of youth should promote the circulation of the blood and strengthen the nerves and muscles ; they should accustom the body to a variety of positions and ren- der it adroit and agile; they should inspire presence of mind, and excite and cherish activity. By them, not only personal strength and mental energy, but also the beauty of the form should be promoted. It is well known that by the forcible respiration which exercise induces, narrowness of the chest, which is so injurious to the lungs, may be pre- vented. On the subject of agreeable exercises in general, it has been justly mentioned as a subject of regret, that in this city, with its immense and growing population, gymnastic exercises are so little practiced. Thirty minutes each day to exercise would be of the greatest service to those who are not under the necessity of laboring for their support. As active diversions lose ground, those of a sedentary kind come to prevail. The latter, however, are of no use but to consume time. Instead of relieving the mind, they often require more thought than either study or business. In fact, every thing which induces young persons to sit still, unless it be necessary employment, ought to be avoided. The ancients, in general, had so hi^h an opinion of gymnas- tics, that Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Csesar and others con- sidered a commonwealth defective in which they were neg- lected. They reasoned thus : As the improvement of the inind, which ought to be our constant aim, can not be ac- complished without the aid of the hody, it is incumbent upon us to jDromote the health and strength of the one, that it may be capable of serving ihe other. Hence Plato calls SANITAET BENEFITS OF GYMNASTICS. 19 Lim a "cripple who, cultivating his mind alone, suffers his body to languish through inactivity and sloth." If only some of the many advantages resulting from phys- ical exercise were to be procured by any one medicine, nothing in the world would be in so much esteem or more anxiously sought after. But we too often slight the advan- tages which are to be procured by other means than medi- cine, when they can not be obtained without trouble. Hence exercise is neglected, though by attending to it, many of these disorders to which mankind often fall a sacrifice might be prevented. There Avas a time, we are told, when diseases were little known; when age was the great infirmity, and death the sole physician. That could only be the case when men by labor or abundant exercise promoted a regular and com- plete circulation of the blood, or by gi'eat exertion freed their bodies from impurities ; or by constant exposure to the open air, were hardened against the changes of the sea- sons, and sufiered no inconvenience from them. By such means as these Ave might consider ourselves completely se- cured against three-fourths of the usual catalogue of diseases. The necessity of labor or exercise to promote the regular and complete circulation of the blood is evident from the circumstance that the strength of the heart and arteries alone in a sedentary course of life is by no means suffi- cient to keej) up and perpetuate with sufficient efficacy that circulation throughout the smaller blood-A^essels. The as- sistance and combined force of all the muscles of the body acting at proper intervals are essential for that purpose. Without this extraordinary aid, which can only be procured by exercise, the smaller vessels are in pi'ocess of time choked^ and the delicate springs of our frail machines lose their ac- tivity and become weakened, from which numberless evils 20 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXEECISES. of the chronic kind, and every species of nervous disorders take their origin. Every physician will inform you that the principal source of our well-being arises from the circulation of the fluids, especially the blood. A brisk circulation animates tlie whole man. Even the phlegmatic person is exhilarated when any thing puts his blood in motion. These effects are well known. Continued inactivity weakens the circulation, until at length the blood creeps feebly through its channels, for the heart is not of itself sufficient to give it due impulse to accomplish this necessary result. Muscular movement is likewise requisite. Rest of the body for any great length of time relaxes the muscles, diminishes the vital heat, checks perspiration, injures digestion, enfeebles the whole frame. And thus numberless diseases are induced. There is not a single part of the human machine which a sedentary mode of life does not debilitate ; but the nerves more especially suffer from this cause. Sedentary life is the prolific source of a great jDart of those diseases which physicians call Cachectic, the number of which in our country is very great. To prevent these, exercise is the best means : it will strengthen all the ves- sels, preserve the fluids in a healthy state, and in fact give vigorous strength to all the vital powers. The " Cordials," " Balms of Life," " Braces," « Blood Purifiers," " Strength- euers," and so forth, that are so extensively advertised and circulated in and through every large city, only tend to arouse an increased circulation for a few hours ; but their action soon subsides : the stimulus ceases : and they must be repeated in increased quantities, and continued during life. The circulation of the blood indeed can only be properly carried on through the medium of exercise or labor. No Art in the shape of medicine can ever become equal to Na- SAKITAEY BENEFITS OF GYMNASTICS. 21 ture in this most salutary of all her operations. That sprightly vigor and alacrity of health which we feel and en- •joy in an active course of life; that zest of appetite and refreshment after eating, which sated luxury seeks in vain from art, is entirely owing to new blood made each day from fresh food, prepared and distributed by the joint action of all parts of the body. Not only must the blood be duly circulated, but it must also be cleared from im- purities; and this can only be done or effected by exer- cise. The digestive powers arc strengthened, and by per- spiration the acrid humors are dissipated, which when re- tained in the blood, occasion obstructions arid many other disorders. There are no means by which health can be more effect- ually secured than by accustoming the body to be duly exercised, and the muscles properly and regularly exerted ; indeed the advantages resulting from a continued course of gymnastics can not be too highly appreciated. The indo- lent may be compared to rusty macbines, which are soon corroded and desti'oyed: whereas, the active (though they also must ultimately perish), may be said to be always bright and polished, and constantly ready to fulfill any pur- pose for which they were destined. It has been observed that what are called " liver com- plaints," and other glandular obstructions, are. much more frequent now than formerly. This is chiefly owing to in- activity, and nothing but exercise can prevent them, ^o long as the liver, the kidneys, and other glands of the body duly perform their respective functions, health is seldom imj^aired, but when they fail it is very difficult to restore it. 'Not only is the necessity of exercise in general to be en- forced, but certain and particular exercises are herein laid down, well calculated to prevent xliseases that are at present 22 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. most prevalent. And first, I would mention nervous com- plaints in particular. Nothing but exercise can brace and strengthen the nerves, or prevent the endless train of dis- eases which proceed from a relaxed state of the organs. Persons with feeble arms, weak hips, and weak backs are earnestly recommended to take first, calisthenic exercises, by which means all parts will be improved and strengthen- ed by degrees. This is certainly the surest means of im- parting to them the proper degree of strength necessary to perform with ease and facility the various functions allotted to them. How seldom it is we hear the active or laborious complain of nervous diseases ; these are reserved for the sons of ease and aiSuence. It is farther to be observed that the more luxuriously any individual lives, the more he requires exercise ; and that not only of the passive or even of the active, but also of the violent kind. It is impossible for him otherwise to preserve his health, and at the same time indulge in luxuri- ous gratifications. To persons in such a sphere of life, the subject of exercise is of peculiar importance, and requires the most exact attention which they can give it if they are so inclined. Indeed I sometimes think the farmer or me- chanic has no just ground to complain of the extent of his labor, or the hardness of his fate ; for he enjoys a thousand times more real happiness than the inhabitant of the gilded palace who rolls in luxury, and who, for want of la- bor or exercise, is courted in vain by every enticement to repose. The effect of the want of bodily exercise upon the mind is a circumstance well entitled to peculiar attention, bad health so often resulting therefrom. Many, as Plato ob- serves, extinguish the divine flame of genius. And it can hardly be doubted that if the body labors under disorders. SANITARY BENEFITS OF GYMNASTICS. 23 the mind will be unable to achieve any thing that is great and noble. If any thing can at the present day rouse an anxiety in favor of regular exercise and its due application, it must be the effect it had on two of the most celebrated characters of ancient times — Cicero and Caesar, who, without the ad- vantage of a close attention to exercise, might have perish- ed unknown and unregarded. Cicero is described by Plutai'ch as being, at one period of his life, extremely thin and slender, and having such a weakness that he could eat but little — in fact he could re- tain scarcely any thing on his stomach : his whole frame being so extremely weak. He traveled to Athens, however, for the recovery of his health, where his body was so strengthened by gymnastic exercises as to become firm and robust; and his voice, which had been harsh, was thorough- ly formed, and rendered sweet, full, and sonorous. And of Julius Coesar, the same author informs us that he was originally of a slender habit of body ; his flesh being extremely soft and of a sickly hue ; he was troubled with violent pains in his head, and was subject to epilepsy ; but influenced by the example of Cicero, and a great many oth- ers of his contemporaries, he found in exercise the best medicine for his indisposition, as after them he went through long marches, bore coarse diet, frequent sleej)ing in the fields, and continued for many years exposed to the hardships of Avar. With such examples before us, who would not be ani- mated to take exercise, particularly that communicated to the body by means of gymnastics, without which Cicero might never have triumphed at the bar, nor Caesar in the field. It is absurd to imagine that a due attention to exer- cise requires too much time, and is inconsistent with elevated 24. MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. situations or literary fame. By whom Avere greater actions performed and works more conspicuous for mental ability written than by the two distinguished characters above al- luded to ? There can be no doubt that exercise, communicated to the whole frame by means of gymnastics and calisthenics, is highly efficacious in many disorders, and the great physi- cian, Hoffinann, in a special treatise on that subject, justly celebrates it as the best of medicine ; and the celebrated poet Dryden asserts that "The wise for cure on exercise depend : God never made his work for man to mend." There are many instances recorded by ancient authors of the great efficacy of gymnastic exercises in the cure of diseases. Plato tells us that Herodicus was cured of hypo- chondriacal disease by that means. Pausauias relates that Hysmoneus was relieved from great weakness of nerves by addicting himself to similar exercise, and thereby acquired such a degree of vigor as to obtain many prizes at the Olympic Games : and Plutarch says that Laomedon was so perfectly cured of an obstinate disease by the practice of gymnastics, as to excel in running. As females are no less subject to hypochondriacal affec- tions than men, and still more to weakness of the nervous system owing to the difference in the habits in which they are educated from their childhood, and to a train of disor- ders incident to the sex, it becomes necessary, in order to counteract the effects of these maladies, and to lay the foundation of sound health, that they should at an early period supply the want of that exercise which the male part of the community is accustomed to take, by those exercises which we call "Calisthenics," as they are better ada2:)ted SANITARY BENEFITS OF GYMNASTICS. 25 to their natural delicacy of the frame and constitution. It is not absolutely necessary that all should attend a gymnasi- um ; those who prefer it can take the exercise at home : the apparatus is Very simple and occupies but little space. My " book of instructions will explain to you in the briefest pos- sible form precisely the thing to be done and how to do it ; each and every exercise will be illustrated. By this simple means ladies may thus avoid those evils which, in mature age, so often prove fatal to themselves, and frequently to their progeny, it being impossible for the offspring of an im- healthy mother'to enjoy strength and vigor of constitution. Females of the higher classes of society being subject to a variety of complaints from which the lower classes are \(owing to the exercise their situation compels them to take) generally free, it is to them in particular we recommend those exercises as the most effectual means of preventing or removing whatever debilitating tendency there may be in their constitutions. In many branches of medicine the ancients were certain- ly inferior to the moderns ; but they treated diseases with great success, for they applied tliemselves with extraordi- nary diligence to acquire a 'thorough knowledge of the symptoms of every disorder, and called in the aid of corpo- ral exercises, by which means they supplied what was want- ing in other remedies. The particular diseases in the cure of Avhich gymnastic exercises have been found the most effectual are, 1st, Gout ; 2d, Hheumatism ; 3d, Consumption y' Ath, JVervous Disor- ders _; 6th, JBilious Colic ; 6th, Dropsy ; Yth, Palsy ; 8th, Diseases of the Mind ; besides many others. Gout. — Sydenham affirms that nothing so effectually pre- vents that disorder of the humors which he considers to be the principal cause of the gout, and consequently strength- B 26 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. ens so much the fluids and solids, as exercise. The exercise, however, should be moderate, because those who are chiefly subject to the gout have their spirits too much wasted and their digestive powers are injured, which regular and gentle exercise would strengthen. Rheumatism. — The beneficial efiects of gymnastic exer- cises upon this disease, more particularly in its chronic form, have frequently been shown by me in a most satisfactory manner after every other remedy had been tried in vain. Several ladies, who had for a long time been afflicted with that disorder, resolved to try the effects of'calisthenic ex- ercise, and after having persevered in them for a short time they were effectually cured ; their appetite increased, their general health improved, and they became less sensible to' cold or of variation of temperature. Consumption. — In most chronic diseases, but especially in consumption, exercise has given relief in a manner almost incredible. Not long since a gentleman whose son was troubled with pains in his left side, and seemed to be threatened with consumption, if it had not actually begun, thought that it might be owing to want of exercise. He was sent to my gymnasium, and I carried him through a complete course, which continued about twelve months, when it became no longer necessary, as his health was per- fectly restored, and all tendency to consumption removed. It is almost unnecessary for me here to observe that the chest became much broader than probably it otherwise Avould have been, in consequence of these exercises. Nervous Disorders. — Nothing can surpass the efficacy of exercise in nervous diseases. As the laboring classes of the community are seldom afflicted with these, it is natural to suppose that a resolute course of exercise would be an ef- fectual remedy ; many have been cured by persevering in SANITARY BENEFITS OF GYMNASTICS. 27 it ; indeed, before they had practiced it many days, the complaints of several have been removed. Bilious Colic. — ^There is no remedy so effectual in this disorder as exercise. By it the morbific matter is brought to the surface of the body, and the blood broken and divided by continual motion, undergoes, as it were, a new depura- tion. The bowels also are greatly strengthened and re- freshed by this mode of rousing the natural heat. Dropsy. — There is a species of the dropsy of the ana- sarcous kind, for which exercise is an effectual remedy. The ancients, it would appear, relied much on exercise for the cure of this complaint ; and it is a system which ought more to be attended to now in our day. This subject is very fully treated of in Fuller's Medicina Gymnastica. Palsy. — A person threatened with the palsy was order- ed to take a journey to a watering-place for cure. In going dlbwn, he thought he would try the effect of Avalking, haA^ing it always in his power to get into his carriage when he was fatigued ; but he derived so much benefit from the exercise he t^us took, that he was greatly relieved of the disorder before he reached the place of destination. The reader may consult Fuller's Medicina Gymnastica, where he will find that immense numbers with this disease have been cured by vigorous exercise. Diseases of the Mind. — The celebrated Hoffmann cured idiotism by exercise ; and according to Descrates the mind depends so much on the constitution and state of the bodily organs, that if any means of increasing sagacity were to be found, they must necessarily be sought for in the art of Medicine, accompanied by a due proportion of exercise. A well-framed and well-exercised body is precisely what fa- cilitates and secures the proper performance of the mental functions ; and a healthy organization of the bodily powers 28 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. is the best foundation for that noble endowment known un- der the name of common-sense (however uncommon in fact it is), or a sound understandmg. A number of cures in various other disorders have been performed by exercise. An eminent physician of this city — a friend of the writer's — has collected several cases in which it has been of the highest service, not only in the complaints already mentioned, but also in nervous pains of the stomach, in languor, fever, and the like. With regard to the choice of exercise for curing dis- eases, it has been justly remarked that there are many points to be attended to. Every kind of exercise, and every degree of it, is not fit for every constitution ; far less in every complaint, or at all times. Which is the proper sort of exercise to be recommended, must depend upon particular circumstances of habit, age, constitution, or disorder ; and in cases where the whole frame is enfeebled, the advice of an intelligent teacher is not to be neglected. Exercise is well entitled in various respects to be consid- ered as a common aid to Physic, — to use a phrase which ^s- culapius originally used ; in fact, when the body is, by ex- ercise, brought into a good state of health, and all the humors are wholesome, should it be attacked by disease it will be more easily restored ; hence it is well observed that we ought undoubtedly to attribute the wonderful success of the ancient physicians in curing diseases with such indifierent materials as their pharmacy afibrded, to th'e patient having his blood in general pure, and his body healthy by an attention to ex- ercise. PKEPAEATOET EXERCISES. 29 CHAPTER III. PREPAEATOET EXEECISES IK GYMNASTICS. All preparatory exercises have for their object to strengthen and to render pliable the lower extremities, and to accustom the body to a good carriage in general, as well as in single exercises. All instructions in gymnastic exer- cises should begin with them, and every individual have acquired some facility and persistence in performing them, before he passes to the more difficult ones. They are the more valuable because they can be practiced without any instruments, and by a large number at one time. I have given but very few of the motions, from the fact of there being two very excellent works de\^ted entire- ly to this system of exercise : that of Dio Lewis, and " Watson's Calisthenics." Posture. — (Figure 1.) Feet and knees close as possible ; body perfectly erect ; breast out- ward. Particular care must be taken to main- tain a correct posture of the upp^r part of the body ; in this way alone the back can be drawn in, the shoulders recede, and a firm and noble posture of the whole body be effected ; hands flat upon the hips, the thumbs backward, fingers forward. Keeping the hands so prevents an unsteady, varying motion of the body ; lips closed. ^'s- 1- 1. Stcmding on the fore part of the foot, raise the heels from the floor, the joints of the toes strongly 30 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. bent, and the knees stretched. This is to be practiced a number of times. 2. Walking on tiptoe. The knees must not bend, and the joints of the feet are to be extended considerably; then move to the right, to the left, forward and backward to place. 3. Ho]pping with the knees stiff. The body is raised by the elastic motion of the joints of the toes — with the knees slightly bent, but are stretched as soon as the toes have left the floor ; both kinds of hopping are to be practiced on the spot — forward, backward, to the right, to the left. 4. Kicking. — (Figure 2.) Striking the breech \i^th the heels. This motion promotes the flexibility of the knees still more than hopping. First with the right, then with the left, then with both at the same time on the spot, moving from the place with short jumps and good carriage of the body, to right, to left, forward, backward, standing upon one foot, aifd striking the breech with it. 6. The contracted posture of the body, the knees ap- proaching the breast ; the upper part of the body is perpen- dicular, the thighs horizontal, aiKl the heels close to the breech. Move from place to right, to left, forward, back- ward. This exercise is very fatiguing on account of the strong bend of the knees ; but at the same time it very much increases their flexibility. The same exercises with one knee" drawn up toward the breast. Endeavor, if possible, to preserve the balance of the body. 6. Hopping on onefoot^ with the right foot, the left car- ried ; the left, right carried behind the left. The move- ments are made forward, backward, to the right, and to the left. This exercise can be practiced (1st) over a certain width ; (2d) over a certain height ; (8d) upon or from an elevation. PEEPAKATOEY EXEECISES. 31 Fig. 2. Fig. 4. Fig. 3. Exercises of the arms. — (Figure 3.) Raise the arms sidewise to a perpendicular posi- tion, back to place — directly in front the same. Each motion should be done a num- ber of times with the hands close to the chest, elbows near the body; thrust both arms out in front ; back to the chest ; out sidewise ; to the chest ; straight up ; to chest ; down by the side. Close the' right hand, and whirl it round a number of times ; left the same ; now both, first right, then left. Raise (Figure 4) the arms, as in Figure 4 ; now bend to the right, then to the left, for- ward, backward. Be sure and keep the knees straight, bending only the hips — this is a splendid exercise for the liver. Bring the hands up over the head, elbows 32 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. straight ; now bend forward and touch the floor with the hands. Do it a number of times ; the arms in front, elbows straight, hands closed ; swing them first to the right, then to the left, twisting the body in the hips at the same time. Hands upon the chest; raise on the toes, then lower the body; at the same moment extend the arms over the head ; now raise the body, and bring the arms down to the chest. Repeat a number of times. Next (Figure 5) place the hands upon the hips ; lower the body until the heels Fig. 5. touch the breech, and hop. This is an ex- cellent exercise for the ankles and knees. The Cane or Wand Exercise. The plain or ordinary motions of the wand are so well known that I will content myself with giving a few of the more complicated or difficult ones. To do those motions well, you ought to have acquired sufficient strength to preserve the balance on one leg Avithout chang- ing the position of the body, for they require peculiar flexibility and ease in the motions of the muscles. Holding the wand in the hands (as in Figure 6), take one step forward with the right foot, throwing the weight of the body on it ; raise the left leg from the floor. Raise the wand to the height of the breast ; pass the left leg in front, without touch- ing the floor; raise the Avand at the same time above the Fig. 0. PEEPAEATOEY EXEECISES. 33 head, and lower it on the shoulders ; raise it again and pass the leg behind to place. Repeat the same with right leg. It should be performed at first very slowly. The same movement should now be performed with the arms ; Jbut in place of the foot going in front, it goes side- wise, with knee straight ; first right, then left. Right foot in front; raise the left l^g; pass the wand over the head behind, and touch the small of the back; bring the hands in front again. Do the same Avith the left foot. Right foot in front ; raise the left leg behind ; stretch the arms over the head; now bring the right hand down to the right side, the left straight up. The wand must be perpendicular. The same with the other foot, changing the wand to the other side. Raise the wand over the head, the arms stretched ; lower behind on a line with the shoulders ; turn to the left, bring- ing the left leg forward with the left shoulder ; continue without bending the arms ; same with the other leg, taking care to keep the arms straight, and not to touch the floor with the foot. Right foot in front ; raise the left behind ; lower the left hand, and raise the right ; pass the wand over the head, and .touch the small of the back. Then raise the left hand, and bring the wand to its place ; change the foot and per- form the same movement. This makes a complete revolu- tion of the body with the arms. Do this a number of times. It is excellent for the shoulder muscles. Raise on the right foot, the left arm being bent, and the fore-arm in front, the right arm stretched at full length. Raise the left leg, knee bent ; now extend the left arm and left leg at the same instant. Do the same Avith the right arm and right leg. B* 34 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXEECISES. Holding the wand as in Figure 6, the right foot in front, rise on it, at the same time bringing up the hand to a hori- zontal position in front; extend the left hand and arm at full length to the left side ; bring the right hand against the breast ; raise the left leg, the knee bent ; lower the left arm, turning the body a little ; lower the right arm, and bring the wand to place^ Do the same with the other foot and arm. The arms extended, right foot in front ; raise the left leg, with the wand to the height of the eyes ; then lower it to the right, bringing the right arm extended behind at full length, and the left hand opposite the right shoulder ; lower it at full length in front ; raise the right arm, passing it against the left slioulder and over the head. Repeat the same motion with the left leg, taking care to extend well the body every time the arms go behind. These exercises can be performed in walking, as when the arms make the backward motions the feet make the for- ward, and the reverse. Also to the right and left ; asjthe right foot goes to the right sidewise, the left arm will' go to the left. Exercises for the Tipper Part of the Body and 8>pine. First Position. — You lie on the back, keeping the body stiff, the arms extended and close to the sides, the legs and heels in the same line, without moving the latter. Then very slowly raise the upper part of the body in a perpendic- ular line, and remain seated ; then resume the former posi- tion without moving the lower extremities. The same ex- ercise may be performed crossing the arms on the breast, arms folded ; also, with the arms extended above J^he head. The arms are brought forward at the same time, and in a line with the shoulders. Resume the first position. PEEPAKATOEY EXEECISES. 35 Loioer Extremities. — From tlie former position raise the right leg perjaendicularly, without moving any other part of the body, and lower it again to first position. Now the left leg; both legs at the same time. Practice this a number of times, and when you have acquired sufficient strength in the dorsal region, you should endeavor to raise gently the lower extremities, and the back, and touch the floor behind the head with the toes, keeping both arms ex- tended, and resting on the floor. Again return to first position ; then by allowing the legs to descend gently, the knees continuing stretched, you remain seated on the floor. After having thus exercised the muscles of the anterior part of the body, you will next exercise those of the poste- rior part by contrary efforts, which I will here describe. Descending and resting, being placed with the face downward, extended and supported by the strength of the arms and toes (as in Figure 7), the hands turned inward must allow the body to sink slowly, bending the arms gently, and still keeping the body extended, without, however, permitting the stom- a's- 7. ach to touch the floor. Now kiss the right hand, then the left, and return to the first position very slowly. This should be repeated several times, and quite gently. Being in the same position as in the former exercise, place the right hand under the right hip, keej)ing the left in its place, the ends of the fingers inward. Now allow the body to sink toward the floor gently, bending the arms. 36 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. and keeping the Ibody extended on the toes, and touch the left hand with the Hps. Return to the first position, and perform the same with the other hand. This exercise calls into action many of the anterior and posterior muscles that upright exercises fail to touch. From the first position draw up the knees, straighten the arms, and pass the legs between them ; come to rest upon the heels ; the hands must not move from the spot. Now back again on the toes and hands. Dumh-Bell Exercises. These exercises have many advantages. They occupy little space, and can be used at any time. For improving the biceps and shoulders, there is perhaps nothing better. The first motions should be with bells not exceeding five lbs. in weight. Position. — Heels together, knees straight, shoulders square, head erect, arms hanging naturally by the sides ; bell in each hand. Motions. — (1.) Bring the arms up in front to a horizon- tal position ; back to place. (2.) Sidewise to a horizontal. Place. (3.) Straight up in front to a perpendicular. Place. (4.) Sidewise to a perpendicular. Place. (5.) Both bells to the chest ; strike out in front, right, left ; then with both at same time. (6.) Strike out sideways. Place. (7.) Straight up over the head, first right, then left, then both. (8.) Bells to the side. Now bring them to the chest ; thrust them out sideways ; back to the chest ; up over the head; to the chest ; out in front ; to the chest. Repeat a number of times. (9.) Bend the knees until the bells touch the floor ; rise, bringing the bells to the chest, and from there straight up over the head. When the arms are up, the body should be on the ball of the foot. (10.) Bells by the side. Rise PEEPAEATOKY EXEECISES. 37 on the toes and swing the bells up (as in Figure 8), bending well the back. This can also be done by bending forward, .^■<-.t\jrVv-. ^1^*^ permitting the bells in the loAver '-^\ \ \ "\ swing to go well behind ; also by pass- \ \' \ inn the bells between the legs. (11.) \ Bells at the side. Swing them first to \ the right, then to the left, without 1 moving th^ feet. The body should / turn at the hips only. (12.) Place two ten or fifteen pound bells at the feet ; face to the left, the feet at right angles ; step back with the left foot from sixteen to eighteen inches, the left hand upon the hips. Remember the toe of the righffoot must point toward the bell. Now stoop and grasp the bell with the right. Curl it and put it up over the head (Figure 9), down again and touch the floor. In stoopmg forward, the left knee should be straight. Re- peat five or ten times ; then change the position by fac- ing to the right, the left foot taking the place of the right, and the left hand perform- ing the same movement the same number of times. Again change to the left, and grasp with each hand. Put up over the head ; turn to the right, and do the same. These are the very best mo- 38 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. tious with the bells, as they exercise all the muscles of the arms, chest, and legs. Exercise with One Sell. (13.) Bell from five to tweut}Maounds in weight, accord- ing to natural strength. Bell in right hand ; back of hand touching the thigh, right foot advanced slightly in front. Bring the bell to the shc^ulder by the strength of the arm, without swinging the arm or body. Repeat from five to fifty times ; then change, and perform the same with the left, the left foot advanced. (14.) Bell in right hand, the hand touching the shoulder ; thrust it straight up five or fifty times ; the same with the left. Remember the hand that is not exercising remains fixed upon the hip. (15.) Bell in right hand, arm extended ; bring it to the shoulder, then straight up, down to the shoulder and thigh ; the same motion with the left hand. There must be no swinging of the body. Suspended Rings. (1.) Rings as high as you can reach. 'Swing with the arms ex- tended, as in Figure 10. (2.) Place the arms in the rings as far as the elbow, clasping the hands in front, and swing. (3.) At the shoulder or armpits, with arms bent or ex- tended ; swing. (4.) Body hang- ing straight, bring the legs up until the body forms a letter L. (5.) Rings as high as the shoulder, toes Fig. 10. PKEPAEATORY EXERCISES. 39 touching the floor. Swing to the front, to the rear, to the right, to the left. The toes must not be moved from the spot ; now revolve to the right, to the left. (6.) Kings as high as you can reach. Keep the body straight, and draw up as high as possible five times, let- ting down very slowly. (7.) Rings the same as in Figure 1 ; turn completely over and back, as in Figure 11. (8.) From position of Figure 11 extend the legs so that the body will be straight, the head down ; now shorten the arms, and lower the body by straightening them again. (9.) Grasp the rings. Swing the feet up, and as they reach the rings put the toes into them, bend the knees, extend the arms, and curve the back. (10.) Draioing up. — This re- quires strength and some little degree of skill. The rings sliould be as high as one can reach ; draw ,-' ;' up from the hang-grasp below the \ I \ rings to the support-grasp above, as in Figure 12. (11.) Forward and hack hori- zontal.— (j;X2i%^ the rings from the outside ; swing the body up ; Fig. 12. 40 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. now set every muscle in the arms and body. Keep tlie whole body perfectly straight, and come down to the posi- tion seen in Figure 13. This is the forward. Next swing up and hold the same with the face down. This is some- times done without any swing, but the effort is much greater and requires a greater degree of strength. (12.) From the support, as in Figure 12, push one of the rings from the body sidewise ; the ring close to the body sustains three -fourths of theweight of the body. First the right hand, then the left. (13.) From the sup- port, as in Fig- ure 12, bring the legs up, without bending the knees, un- til they form a right angle with the body ; now let them down slowly. Repeat. This same movement should* be made with the rings at the elbow, keeping the ropes close in to the shoulder; also with head below, the rings being supported by the elbows, and again from the shoul- der. Position, (14.) Rings as high ^'s- 14. jjg ^-j^Q i-each. Swing strong, and change from the hang-grasp below the rings to PEEPAEATOKY EXEECISES. 41 the suiiport above, as in Figure 14. (15.) Rings as high as the reach. Take the high swing by throwing the legs up as in Figure 11, when the swing is backward ; and out, with full force, when forward. If this is done right you may touch a twenty feet ceiling in three springs. Leaping or JFwnping. The jump is to be taken from the ball of the foot, never by the whole foot. In starting the feet should be closed, and in coming down the shock is to be broken by bending the joints of the knees, hips, and feet, and by a slight inclination forward. The Leap from the sp>ot, or Stand- ing Jump loith Running. — In per- forming this, you bend the knees quickly; then rise, drawing the knees toward the breast. The Leap loith a Preparatory Spring. — You stand two paces from the place of leaping ; leap first "with feet closed upon that place, and then spring in the manner de- scribed in the preceding exercise. '^' The Leap loith Running. — ^You take a run of ten or fifteen paces. The run can be taken swiftly or slowly. At the moment of reaching the place of leaping, one foot is placed upon it, the other thrown forward. The first gives the start from the ground, and joins the other as quickly as possible, so that both feet are joined before one-half of the leap is accomplished. The body should rise after each step like a spi'ing. No exercise increases the elasticity of the 42 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. lower limbs more than this. Good level ground is re- quired. Dexterity, swiftness, duration, and good appear- ance, are the principal objects. The High Leap. — Two leaping stands are required, six feet high, and about the same distance apart. The stands have holes with iron pegs, over which a cord is placed. The different degrees of height may be arranged by the fol- io win sr scale : The hei ght of the knees. C t( thighs. « " hips. i u jDit of stomach. I If f If shoulders, chin, mouth, eyes. f 11 crown of head. Most persons learn by little practice to jump as high as the pit of the stomach; but very few as high as the crown of the head. Long and High Jumping. — This is composed of the two preceding kinds — only increase the distance of the place of s^Dringing. Lower or raise the cord accordingly, but it must be practiced with great care, witli sloAV increase of height and length. Breast Liars. These are excellent for expanding the chest. Place the hands upon the bars (as in Figure 16), the feet close together, and from twelve to fifteen inches to the rear. Throw the body forward upon the arms, rising on the toes at the same time ; the knees being kept straight, the stomach drawn in, the breast out. Repeat this movement from fifty to PEEPAEATOET EXEECISES. 43- five hundred times. Climbing movements can also be prac- ticed on these bai'S, going up hand over hand — with both hands at a time with the knees bent — with the body bent at the hips, knees straight, etc., etc. Inclined Poles. Grasp each pole as high as the reach, throw the right leg over the right pole, the left over the left, and raise the body by moving first the right hand, then the left. Climb with thehands alone, the body kej)t straight; with both hands at the same time ; upon one pole, hand over hand ; right hand and left leg ; left hand and right log ; both hands moving up at the same instant ; uj)on both bars, body bent at the knees, hand over hand ; bent at the hips, hand over hand. Raise the body until the arms are bent; then swing through and come to stand on the out- side of the bars ; to the right ; to the left. The same mo- tion except when the swing is over the right bar. Hold on with the right hand and revolve around without touching the feet to the floor ; the same with the left. rig. 10, Exercises on the Single Har. (1.) Hanging on hands or arms before the body (Figure 19). The arms being extended or bent on the lower part of the arms at the same time ; first the right, then the left — upper part of the arms (Figure 20) as in the figure or straight out in front ; grasping from either side, the arms being either stretched or bent. It is well to practice these 44 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. different kinds of hanging in order to ascertain your coni- ng. IT. Fig. IS. parative strength. By this means the ujpper or more diffi- cult motions will come much easier. From the position of cross-hanging, touch the feet to the bar, hanging close to the bar as in Figure 19, throw the legs up and touch the bar with the toes. From the same position touch the knees. From the same throw the legs over the bar. As the legs go up, shorten the arms, as in Figure 21. I think it quite unnecessary to enumerate all the exer- cises of hanging close to the bar, because they are so easily taken from former motions. I may however mention the hanging with one arm, with one hand, and one leg, as in Figure 22 ; hanging with arms PEEPAEATOEY EXEECISES. 45 extended (Figure 19). The body is entirely turned, so that the stomach is toward the floor or ground. Change the hands on the bar, keep the knees straight, and re- turn to the first position. This motion of hanging on should be practiced a number of times, in order to obtain confidence. Position of Figure 19. Swing on the bar; change the hands ; straighten the arms ; place the right knee upon the bar and swing back to place. The same motion with left knee; with both knees -at same time ; the same motion in swinging up, but instead of the knee, place the right ankle upon the bar ; back to place. Then the left, then both. The first motion again ; swing up ; straighten well the arms, the hands well enough only to admit the body to pass through ; place the ball of the right foot upon the bai", and return to place. The same with the left ; then with both. The feet in the last motion are on the outside of the hands, hanging with arms bent and moving to the right, to the left. Similar to these are hanging by the knees and moving to the right, to the left; swinging from position in Figure 19, and changing the grasp. You swing on one side of the bar, and make a half revolution around its axis by the revolu- tion of the body and changing of the hands. 46 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXEECISES. In all kinds of exercise on the bar in the hanging position, great care should be taken by the beginner to keep the legs stretched and closed, and the toes pointed. The pi-actice of raising the body as high as possible by Fig. 20. Fig. 21. drawing up must not be forgotten ; for herein, without some dexterity, no exercise, without first starting from a spring, can be well performed. In grasping,Vas in Figure 19, by the strength of the arms alone, one must raise' the body to the eyes, to the mouth, to the chin, to the breast. The Fig. 22. body, during this exercise, can be bent in one knee, bent in both knees, and PREPARATORY EXERCISES. 47 hips, or bent in the hips alone, which is by far the most dif- ficult. Those who wish to learn the difficult feat of raising the body by one arm, will first practice the hanging with one hand, the arm being bent, and letting down slowly. This is the correct exercise preparatory for it. The feat consists in drawing the body up, which is one of the most difficult of exercises. The practice is to let the body down from that position. In exercises with the upper part of the body above the bar, the arms are straight; lower the arms until the fore-arm touches the bar; then raise them or straighten them one after the other; next straighten both at the same instant; now move from the right to left, with arms straight. The body being suspended, swing the right knee on the bar, the left leg being straight ; take a strong swing, bring- ing the right thigh upon the bar. You are in a sitting po- sition. Now change the hands ; crook the knee ; grasp the bar firm, and make a revolution around the bar. This may be done forward or backward, with right, left, and both knees hanging on the bar. Loioering and liaising . — Resting on the arras before the body, bend gradually so low that the mouth touches the bar, as in Figure 23. Place. Arms behind the body ; bend gradually so low that the lower part of the shoulders touch- es the bar, extending the right arm along the bar ; then the left arm. The swinging up on the bar can be varied so that the upper arms, lower arms, hands, one or both, rest upon the bar, on the right or left side, close together or separated by the hanging leg, with the grasp from above, beneath, or on either side. Thus over one hundred difierent kinds of ex- ercises in this particular branch are possible. 48 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. Two more kinds of swinging up, not described above, should be mentioned. These are : with arms crossed ; with taking hold of the knee beneath the bar, to the right, left, Fig. £3. Fig. 24. and both. The motion is performed forward and backward. Hanging close to the bar, arms behind the body, small of the back touching the bar, with a strong swing with the legs make a complete revolution around the bar, once or several times forward, or backward, which is much more difficult. Swinging round. — The arms being before the body as in Figure 24, the stomach must be as close to the bar as pos- sible. In swinging round by taking hold of the thighs, lean on the stomach, the hands take hold of the thighs, the bar between the arms and body. Another kind of swing- ing round is by the arms being behind the body, the lower part of the arms on the bar, as in Figure 25. Swing one or several times around the bar, forward and backward. In swinging round from the position of Figure 20, for- ward or backward, bend the arms at the elbows — right PEEPARATORY ' EXERCISES. 49 fore-arm over left, and grasp firmly the bar ; swing the legs and revolve around. Hanging down from the knees (Figure 26), move the body by means of a swing ; loose hold of from the seat on the bar Fig. 25. Fig. 20. the knees, and drop oh the feet. This can also be done also from the seat the " knee- will" is performed, revolving around the bar by catching the knees and swinging. Sioinging through. — Take hold of the bar, as in Figure 19; carry the legs up under the bar between the hands or arms ; shorten the arms, stretch the body as in Figure 27, and the small of the back will be upon the bar. Now straighten the arms, and you will be seat- ed upon the bar. Change the hands upon the bar, and let C Fig. 2T. 50 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. the body glide from the bar, bendiug the arms as much as possible. Now straighten them again and regain your seat upon the bar. Being seated upon the bar, hands in front, throw back strongly, catching the knees on the bar, and revolve. Change the hands, the knees the same ; swing to the front, and revolve. In swinging by the knees, as in Figure 26, and when the position is reversed, the head above the bai', let go the knees and catch with the arms, as in Figure 25. In the same exercise with the knees, swing strongly, and when the shoulders are above the bar, let go the knees ; make a half turn quickly, and catch the bar with the hands. From the position in Figure 1 9, work the hands well over the bar, and draw up until you come to rest upon the hands above. The body must be kept close to the bai', the elbows on a line with the shoulder. Now bring the hands close together, the elbows touching the body, and force the legs up. This is the start for the Giant Swing, and with some practice you will also be enabled to balance yourself there. From first position swing up on the bar ; change the hands, placing them between the legs ; elbows near the body. Straighten the arms, and spread the legs as wide as possible. Swing forward, catching the ankle on the bar, and revolve around. The arms should be kept straight. Swinging backward, grasp the bar, as in Figure 19, and swing strongly the legs and body. As the body is level with the bar on the backward swing, let go the hands, and gi-asp again. Then strike the leg with right hand ; grasg again ; left hand the same ; then both. This is a very quick motion, and requires much practice in order to do it well. Another motion is by changing from forward to backward. To do this well the back must be drawn in, and the grip made quick and sure. PKEPAEATOET EXERCISES. 61 I have enumerated and described some of the more sim- ple and easy exercises on the single bar, but those who are able to do them well will find no difficulty in performing others that are perhaps more complicated. The Giant Swing is perhaps the most difficult motion that is perform- ed on the single bar. It is to make the revolution with arms and body perfectly straight, forward and backward. Exercises on the Parallel Bars. 1st Motion. — Standing at the end. of the bars, each hand taking hold of one bai', as in Figure 28, the performer Fig. 29. springs up so that the arms are stretched as in Figure 29 ; descends as soon as he has reached that height ; starts again, and so on a number of times. 2c? Motiofi. — Rest on the arms as in Figure 29. Falling forward of the upper part of the body is to be avoided. The whole body should form a perpendicular line. MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. Sd Motion. — Lowering and raising the body slowly, bend the arras at first a very little ; by degrees so low that the arm-pits approach the hands ; then rise again. Prac- tice this a number of times. 4th Motion. — Lowering and touching the mouth to the bar, to the right, to the left ; behind the right arm, behind the left. 5th Motion. — Position as in Figure 29. Draw uj) the right leg horizontal with the bar, the knee straight ; then (6) the left ; then both at the same time. From same position pass (7) the right leg, keeping it straight, over left bar ; left leg over right bar ; now (8) both over each bar. This is a very difiicult exercise, but excellent for the spine. (9.) The lowering and rising motions can also be done with the thumbs on the outside, and fingers on the inside. 10th Motion. — Lowering upon the elbows from j)osition of Figure 29, bend one arm after the other so as to rest with the whole lower part of the arras on the bars. Now rise again, one arm after the other. Sink first with right, then left. (11.) Now bend both arms at the same time. Rise again to the starting position. 12i;A Motion. — ^Take position as in Figure 29, in the mid- dle of the bars ; raise both legs forward; draw the stomach in, and rest them on the bars in a straddling position, as in figure (13). Now move through the bars with the for- ward swing, then the back- ward (1 4) . In the latter the legs come behind the arms. Next. (15) swing with the legs closed, over the right bar, over left — ^'^^■^^- forward— backward. (16.) Li PREPAEATOKY EXERCISES. 53 swinging fi'om the bars, (I'J) when the legs are raised above the bar, they pass over it and you alight on the outside of the bars. It is to be practiced over the right bar, over the left bar. (18.) When the legs are raised backward they pass over the bar, and you alight on the outside, the same as the forward motion. 19th Jlotion. — This consists in moving along upon the hands. This motion should be performed without bending or shaking the legs, or drawing up the back, but only by the elastic movement or spring of the joints of the hands. The body should be kept perfectly straight and steady during the whole movement. 20t/i Motion. — Take position of Figure 29. Keep the elbows stiff. Now move the right hand, then the left, then both at the same time. This can be done with arms bent, but is more difficult ; also (21) with the legs bent at the hips. This exercise is sometimes performed, the legs (22) being raised above the bar. But before this can be done, much practice must be taken in the previous motions. 23f? 3£otion. — This consists in changing the seat. From position of Figure 29, the legs, closed and stretched, are thrown from one bar upon the other, or on the same bar from before the hands to behind them. Now (24), bend the arms and perform the same motions ; again bend them still more, (25) the elbows reaching over the shoulders. The arms bent (26), the lower part of them resting on the bars, from the right bar before the hands to the left behind the hands. The arms bent (27), the legs closed, swing over the bar before the arms; the hand opposite to the side where the descent is made pushing strongly off, so that you come to stand on the outside of the bars. This is done also (28) with the fore-arm resting upon the bars. In swinging off make the arch as high and as far from the bars as possible. 54 MANUAL OP PHYSICAL EXERCISES. 29^/i Motion. — Position as in Figure 29. Put the lower limbs in a vibrating motion. In swinging forward the stomach is drawn in and the hips bent. In swinging back- rig. 31. ■ward the back is drawn in ; an upright and unaffected car- riage of the head, pressing down, and keeping back the shoulders, are the principal points to be attended to. There are very many kinds of swinging, but I shall men- tion only tbose that give the" most exercise, and at the same time bring the greatest number of muscles into action. Swinging forward and back with arms stretched ; with bending the arms. The moment when the body, swinging backward, has passed between the arms, they begin to bend as soon as can possibly be done without turning over, and stretch again as soon as the legs begin to swing forward, so that the arms are stretched just when the body passes between them. With bending the arms forward and back- ward (30) a combination of the preceding. In order to perform this exei'cise, it is necessary to have the arms stretched each time w^hen the body is passing be^tween them. With bending the arms (31) in the middle of the swing backward and forward ; particular attention must be paid to having the arms stretched at the beginning and end of each swing. With straddling (32) at the end of each swing, forward and backward, touching the feet each time. PREPARATORY EXERCISES. 55 With kicking (33) at the end of each swing. The legs are bent at the knees and hips, and thrown out when the swing has reached the highest point. It must be practiced at first with caution, because the kicking gives a violent shake to the whole body, especially the arms. It is well to practice the difficult kinds of swinging at first at the end of the bars. 34:th Motion. — Consists in moving along upon the hands with swinging from position of Figure 29. Swing forward, and at the same time move the hands along the bars ; con- tinue this movement till you reach the end. The fewer strides the better. The same (35) backward with arms Fig. 32. straight. The same (36) forward with arms bent, back- ward with arms bent, as in figure 32. The position (37), Figure 29, at the end of the bars, theface 56 MAjq-UAL OP PHYSICAL EXERCISES. outward; take a strong swing backward, so high as to turn over, and to come to stand before the bars. This exer- cise should at first be performed with the assistance of some person to take hold of the arm. (38.) From position of Figure 29 lower the body, both fore-arms coming on the bars. Now reverse the body, swinging the feet up, the head down, the arms remaining the same Avith firm grip of the. hands. (39.) Standing between ; the bars, extend both arms over each bar at the armpits ; swing the legs, and so move along. (40.) From position of figure 29. swing backward, toes turned out, catching the bars on the inside of both feet, keeping the knees and arms stiff. Now bend the arms, straighten them again a number of times ; also by kissing the right and left bar. (41.) From the same position swing backward, bringing the right leg around the right arm, and on the inside of the bar, the arms remaining in the position, and the body parallel with the bars. (42.) Grasping the bars from beneath, hands on outside, draw the body up until it forms a letter L. (43.) From the same grasp, draw the legs up ; turn the toes out, and catch them on each bar, the stomach being toward the floor. (44.) The same grasp. Draw the. legs up, and turn com- pletely over, touching the feet to the floor, and return to place. (45.) Perform the same motion with knees straight, feet in front, arms extended, over and back. (46.) Stand upon the outside of the bars; shorten the arms; swing thejegs up through and over the opposite bar, coming to a stand with the back to the bar ; or by catch- ing the arms on the bar, before the feet touch the floor. PREPAEATOET EXEECISES. 57 (47.) From the seat on the bar, the body being parallel, l^ut the toes under the opposite bar and bend backward. The back can be so strengthened by this motion, that in a short time a heavy weight can be raised by the hands from the floor to the sitting position, and back, a number of times. (48.) Standing at the bars as in Figure 28, lower the body until the bands receive all the weight, then raise up slowly until you come to rest above the bars, up&n t-he hands, with arms straight, as in Figure 29. (49.) Being seated on the bar, the body parallel, place the hands upon the opposite bar; set th-e muscles of tlie arms and shoulders ; draw up the knees ; slide down until the shoulders take the bar, and throw the feet straight up, the head being upon the outside of the bar. From this po- sition, bend the legs until the feet are on a line with the head. Back to place. (50.) Legs upon the outside of the bars; bend forward, doubling up well ; place the arms upon the bars, between the shoulder and elbow ; throw the head down, and revolve along the bars a number of times. (51.) From position of Figure 29 swing over the right bar, keeping the hands fixed in their place ; bend slightly the arms, the elbow of the right coming under the body ; the knees straight, toes pointed ; hold there, first to the rightj then to the left. (52.) The most diificult horizontals to hold are as fol- lows : Those above the parallel bars, with arras placed along the bars from the shoulder, forward and backward. The body should be on a line with the bar. WalJcing through the bars upon the hands, feet up, head down ; the knees and arms must be perfectly straight, the body perpendicular. Climbing hj means of the arms alone. The body is C* 58 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXEKCISES, raised by means of the hands alone ; the legs and the rest of the body must be kept as quiet as possible. Climbing with a grasp, where. the plane of the hand is perpendicular, is always done with one hand grasping after the other. The elbows must be as close to the body as possible. The body can be perfectly straight, bent in, the legs bent in the knees and hips, or bent in the hips alone, which is very difficult. A swinging pole is often used for climbing, and is very good. Fig. 34 Fig. 35. Fig. SO. PBEPAEATOEY EXEECISES. 59 Shipping loith the Hope. The rope should be from one-hajf to three-quarters of an inch thick, and long enough to reach the hips on both sides, as in Figure 37. When standing upon it for cross-skip- ping, it must be a little longer. The arms, bent a little, are brought near the body, the hands near the hips. The swinging of the rope is performed merely by turning the wrist-joints. The arms should move either not at all, or but very little. There are many modes of this exercise, such as — Simple 8M2yping^ straight skip- ping ; on the spot, from before, from behind ; with running, gal- loping, trotting. Crossed /Skipping, when the ^^°'^^' lower arms are crossed. Go through the same motions as before directed, with changed crossing; one time the right arm over the left, the next time the left over the right, and so on. Double Shipping, when the rope at every spring passes twice under the feet, turning, in oi:der to change the skipping from before into that from behind, you swing the rope, and at that moment pass it from before to behind un- der the feet, by the right side upward. Now turn quick to the right, and skip from behind to before. This should be practiced at first slowly, then as quick and as long as possi- ble. In practicing the crossed and double skipping, it is well to render it easier by changing with the simple. It is a beautiful and invigorating exercise to change in order with different kinds of skipping. All these exercises may i 60 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXEKCISES. be done with the knees being stretched or bent ; touching the breech with the heels ; hojjping on one foot, or chang- ing the foot at every spring. Vaulting. Vaulting on and over the bar or wooden horse. One of the most important exercises. It has a salutary effect upon almost all parts of the body, particularly the arms, legs, muscles of the stomach and back. It increases the agility and improves the carriage. It is to be practiced over a bar or vaulting-horse. Take position, as in Figure 38. From this position the body is forced upward by means of a spring, and with the assistance of the hands, so high that the arms are stretched when the body has reached that height, as in Figure 38. Sink again in a perpendicu- lar line ; touch the floor for a moment, and then repeat the motion a number of times. Common faults in this exer- cise are : falling forward of the upper part of the body ; throwing back the legs; not stretching the arms ; and a sinking of the elbows; instead of merely pressing down- ward and keeping the body straight. Spring up, arms straight ; raise the right leg, sidewise, to the right. Back to place. Up again ; now left leg the same, then both together. Pushing off. — Spring up, legs against the bar ; as soon Fig. 38. PEEPAEATDEY EXEKCISES. 61 as the arms are stretched the legs are pushed off, both at a time, merely by a sudden move, proceeding from the back. Be sure not to bend the knees. Tliis motion should be sev- eral times repeated. Spring up, throw one leg over so as to sit. Place both hands upon the first saddle-hold, the thumbs forward, the elbows as near to each other as possible without being bent. Now throw the weight of the body on the hands, raise the legs, separating them, and keeping them straight. You are now in a suspended position, from which you raise the body by drawing in the stomach as high as possible ; then lower again by bending the elbows so much that you almost touch the saddle with your thighs. This movement should be repeated slowly, without any sudden start or spring. Sioinging. — From the suspended position described above, the liands placed so that they almost touch, bring the legs into a swinging motion, drawing in the back, as in Figure 39, when swinging backward — the stomach when forward. The higher and more uniform the swinging, 62 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. the better it is. After some little practice, you will be able to strike your feet together behind and before. The legs must be constantly kept straight in vaulting. Every thing should be practiced right and left. A perpendicular position of the head and body should be maintained in all movements ; likewise the stretching of the joints of the knees and feet, if their bending is not necessary for the spring. Now spring up, pass the legs through the hands, push off, and descend with your back to the horse. Per- form this over the right side, over the left side, also with ^ run. Vaults with one Hand. From behind. Take a short run, mounting with the left hand and right foot, with the right hand and left foot. From the side, the same ; the foot that does not make the vault executes the spring. Many mo- tions in vaulting can be practiced over the single bar : to the right, to the left ; through the hands, by straightening the arms, and drawing the knees close to the chin. This vault can be increased by practice until the bar is as high as one can reach. Continued Vaults consist in performing repeatedly the same vault, and require not only strength and agility, but also perseverance. If it should be difficult to start imme- diately after the descent, a double spring may be taken. Spring to the position seen in Figure 39; draw the knees toward the breast so that the legs will pass through be- tween the arms, and make the descent on the opposite side ; then, without letting go, spring back again to the first po- sition. Next, spring up, and come to rest, with both knees upon the saddle; raise the hands above the head, and spring from the knees, alighting on the opposite side. The hands being firmly placed upon both saddle-holds. /: / PREPAEATOET EXEECISES. 63 spring into first position, elbows close to the body ; draw the knees up in front, throw the head forward, the feet up backward, as in Figure 40, and turn over, alighting upon the feet with back to the horse. Just before the feet touch the floor, the hands must push off strongly. This exercise must not be attempted at first without the assistance of one or two persons. Both hands upon the forward pom- mel, thumbs on the outside ; spring up, keeping the elbows close to the body ; the legs pass forward on each side of the horse, until the heels reach the horse's head, as in Figure 39 ; the hands all the while remaining firm. Now swing back, extending the arms until the body is nearly in a hori- zontal position. Again to the front, and so on several times. Then both hands on the back pom- mel, fingers on the outside, hands and elbows close together, the latter touch- ing the body — raise the legs, with knees straight, until the body forms a horizontal line. This can be done with one hand, the elbow being well under the body. Hunning Vaults — Are made at a distance of from five to fifteen yards. Feet taking the jalace of the hands ; to the saddle ; to the neck ; to the right ; to the left ; to the knees ; to the feet on the horse, by turning of the body to the right, to the left. All those are simple and excellent motions for improving the wind and giving agility. They can not be too often practiced. Fig. 40. 64 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXEKCISES. Inclined Ladders. (1 .) Face the ladder ; grasp as high as the reach ; place the right foot on the round, raise the right hand and left foot, and alternately ascend to the top. (2.) The back to the ladder, the hands upon the sides, the feet on the first round ; ascend to the top. (3.) Keep the hands close to the outside of the ladder, and ascend with the feet alone, forward and backward. (4.) Grasp the sides, legs upon the outside ; draw the body up by the strength of the arms. (5.) Hands upon the sides, body straight. Feet upon the outside ; draw up. (6.) Feet in the same jDosition ; hands on the rounds, on a line with the hips ; push the body up. The knees must be kept perfectly straight, as in Figure 42. (7.) From the inside of the ladder grasp the highest round ; place the feet on the first, and ascend to the top. Movement, right hand., left foot, or left hand, right foot. (8.) Grasp the round with left hand, high up ; the right hand up-on the outside as in Figure 41. Draw up, and move the left hand to the round above, the right hand gliding after. The body must be kept straight ; feet closed, and toes pointing to the floor. (9.) The same motion on the opposite side of the ladder, the right hand grasping the round. (10.) Grasp high up, and ascend by placing one hand after the other. Many in this exercise twist and kick their feet ; this is quite unnecessary, and makes the movement much more fatiguing. (11.) The hands high up ; ascend hand over hand, or by putting the hands on difierent rounds. (12.) The hands high up, palms turned toward the body ; ascend, one hand after the other, on same round. PEEPAKATOKY EXERCISES. 65 (13.) Hands the same ; ascend hand over hand. (14.) Place both hands high up, raise the body by the muscular spring of the arms, and. grasp the round above. The arms should be kept close to the body, and the ascent Fig. 41. Fig. 42. made by a jerk. The beginner should never ascend beyond three rounds. (15.) Both hands on the outside ; ascend by moving fii'st right, then left. (16.) Hands on the outside ; ascend by je'rks, or mov- ing both hands at the same time. (17.) The same movement, except that one hand is placed on the round, the other on the outside. The Inclined^ Ladder is one of the most valuable imple- ments in a gymnasium. 66 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. Horizontal Ladders. (1.) Hands upon the outside; move along, first with right hand, then left. (2.) Hands the same ; move backward. (3.) Hands uj)on the first two rounds ; draw the body up until the head touches the hand or round. (4.) Hands upon the first and third rounds ; draw up as strongly as possible. (5.) Hands upon the first and fourth rounds, and so rigr43. on, extending as far as your strength will permit you to draw up. (6.) Hands upon the outside ; swing the body forward, at the same time glide the hands along the sides. (7.) The same movement backward. PKEPARATOET EXERCISES. 67 (8.) Hands upon the rounds ; move along, by placing one hand after the other. (9.) Hands the same; swing. Move first the right hand forward, then the left. (10.) Hands the same ; swing ; but omit one round on each movement. (11.) The same, only omit first two rounds, then three, or as many as the length of the arm or strength will per- mit. Single Trapeze Exercise. The exercises on this small single swinging bar develop the muscles of the arms, shoulders and chest in a remarka- ble degree. It is supported by two hooks firmly fixed in the ceiling or to a bar, from which two ropes are suspended, at the extremities of Avhich a bar is fastened thirty inches in length, and one inch and a quarter in diameter. The bar should be made of hickory, and suspended six inches above the reach, so that you spring to catch it. (1.) Raise the body by the strength of the arms until the head is above the bar. In the grasp the thumbs should be under, and the hands from sixteen to twenty inches apart ; the legs straight, heels touching, and toes pointed toward the floor. Repeat this exercise a number of times. (2.) The same movement, except that the palms of the hands are turned toward the body. The elbows should be kept close together. (3.) Grasp the bar as in Figure 44 ; throw the legs for- ward and upward, and as you swing back, shorten or draw up the arms. (4.) Raise the body until the head is on a line with the bar ; then throw the legs up, forward, and pass over the 68 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXEECISES. bar as in Figure 45, Be sure to maintain a firm hold, and keep the arms bent on making the descent. (5.) Grasj) as in Figure 44 ; throw the legs up ; bend the knees, and pass them through between the arms, and descend slowly to the floor. (6.) The same movement, except that the legs must be brought back again after hanging in the position seen in Fig. 46. Figure 46. With some practice, the body may hang per- fectly straight after passing through backward. (7.) Grasp as in Figure 44 ; throw the legs up and over the bar, and come to rest on the stomach; place the right hand on the right hand rope as high as the reach ; raise the body by drawing up with the right hand, and straightening PEEPAKATOKY EXEECISES. 69 left arm; pass the legs through and over the bar, and come to sit on it, as in Figure 47. The descent is made by drop- ping the body backward, the hands gliding down the ropes, catching the bar at the knees, passing the legs under, and come to stand on the floor. Kej^eat the same exercise with the left hand. (8.) From first position tlirow the legs up ; pass them between the hands, and bring the thighs on the bar ; grasj) the ropes with both hands and come to sit on the bar. Now take hold of the right roj)e with the left hand, the right hand on the bar ; raise the body by .the strength of the arms, and turning the bar under with the right hand, return to the sitting position. Re- peat the same exercise with the left hand. In descending, employ the contrary movements. (9.) Grasp the bar as in the first position ; pass the legs through the hands ; keep the legs straight ; bend the back, keeping it close to the bar; draw up with the arms, and come to sit on the bar, (10.) Slip the hands up the ropes ; shorten the arms and stand upon the b.ar, the hands on a line with the hips with a firm hold. Bend the body forward and backward. (11.) Glide the hands high up, and reverse the position of the body ; the feet up, head down. Fig. 4S. 70 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. (12.) From the seat on the bar swing, but very slightly; then drop to the knees on the bar, and, as the swing is for- ward, unhook the knees, and come to stand on the floor. (13.) The exercises of the swinging motions, suspended by the arms, are very good, but require great power of grip and strength of arm. First, Swing with body suspended, as high as possible. Second, Swing and revolve over the bar each time it goes forward. Third, Swing high, and pass the legs through the hands, and place the small of the back upon the bar, keeping the body perfectly straight. This requires some practice in order to balance the body. You may also turn a somersault from the forward swing. (14.) Horizontal position. This can be done by placing Fig. 49. the hands on the ropes above the bar (Figure 49), or the hands on the bar, which is much easier. Throwing the Hammer or Weight. This kind of throwing, performed by swinging the arm stretched forward or backward, can be practiced at a mark as well as a distance. The foot, on the side of the arm throwing, should be back, and nearly at right angles with the other, and from 18 to 24 inches apart. The hand grasps the weight, and after swinging one or more times, leaves the PKEPAEATOEY EXERCISES. 71 hand. Care must be taken that it has the proper angle at the moment of parting from the hand. There is a modification of this exercise, "which consists in throwing by stretching the arm which was before bent. Cannon-balls or round stones are the best implements for this kind of exercise, because they are easily held. The position is about the same as in the preceding exercise, but the arm throwing is bent in a sharp angle to the height or a little above the shoulder, as in Figure 60. The weight is placed in or on the open hand, and after one or more mo- tions of the body, forward and back- ward, the arm is extended, and the weight thrown off. Home Exercises. There are many simple exercises which can be practiced at home as well as in the gymnasium. I shall indicate about a score, although the number might be increased almost indefinitely. (1.) Jumping through or over a cane, handkerchief, or the hands, forward and backward. (2.) Entire turning around one's own axis in a jump, on the spot, to the right and left. (3.) Sitting down and rising without the use of the hands, the legs bent and crossed. (4.) One leg stretched out in front, which must not touch the floor or ground. In sitting down or rising on one foot, it is to be practiced right and left. 72 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXEECISES. (5.) Lying down, arms crossed over the chest; rise with- out the assistance of the arms. (6.) Taking hold with the left hand of the right ear, and passing the right arm through! (7.) Drawing out a knife stuck in the ground or floor near or in advance of the little toe ; the hand of the oppo- site side passing around behind the feet, which must stand fast, to tlie right and left. (8.) Touching the floor with the fingers or wrist, the knees being kept stifi". (9.) Taking up with the mouth from the floor a eane or similar light thing at a distance less than one's own length, without touching the body to the floor. (10.) Leaning against a wall in a straight position, the feet removing gradually from the wall, and pushing off the head from the wall. The elastic power here proceeds from the back and neck; the arms to be kept straight and close to the body. (11.) Two persons stand with their backs against each~ other, hook their arms, and lift each other in turns. (12.) Bend the joints of the wrist, the fingers being in- terlaced, and the elbows pressed against one another ; tlie pressure should be continued only until the joints of the Avrists bend. This may be performed left against left, right against right, or with both at a time. (13.) There are many tests for the strength of the ai'ms. Thus : one person stretches out his arm, keeping it as stiff as possible, the fist firmly clenched ; the other takes hold of the arm above the wrist from without. He who en- deavors to bend stands on the outside of the stretched ai'm; if the pressure is strong enough to bend the wrist, the elbow yields. (14.) Two persons sit at a narrow table, both resting PREPARATOKY EXERCISES. 73 the same elbow on it so that the lower arm and hand in- cline forward ; both join their hands, and each endeavors, by a uniform pressure, to jDress down the other's arm. The other hand should remain under the table, resting on the thigh. This is to be practiced left against left, right against right. (15.) The wrists are placed on the sides, so that the el- bows form sharp angles ; the elbows are moved forward until they touch ; then backward. (16.) Moving along on the hands, when sitting on the floor, the arras are stretched so that they raise the body to a suspended positiofi, and then move along, the legs being kept straight, forward and backward. (17.) Sitting sideways on a chair, place one hand on the back, the other on the front of the same in the centre, and pass the legs through. (18.) The body extended upon the hands and toes, face down, feet near the wall, cai'ry the hands slowly backward, one after the other, raising at the same time the legs up the wall with the whole part of the body, until you reach a perpendicular position, the weight of the body being sup- ported on the arms. Then bring the head so that the lips or chin Avill touch the wall ; descend slowly, keeping the knees straight. This exercise should be performed with much care, and at first with some assistance. D MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. CHAPTER IV. INDIAN CLUB EXEECISE. In this exercise, although but little more than two-thirds of the body, that is, from the hips upward, are called into operation, its importance should be estimated by the fact that they are precisely those requiring constant artificial practice, being naturally most exempted from exertion on the part of those who lead a sedentary life. There is noth- ing in the whole round of gymnastic performances that will be found of more essential service than this exercise with the clubs. It demands but little muscular exertion, and such as it does require calls chiefly upon that portion of the system which it finds in a state of comparative repose. In every exercise with the Indian Clubs, the right arm performs the first motion, then the left, then both ; each movement being executed several times. In order to per- form every motion with accuracy — by which means it is made interesting to ^he performer, as well as the observer — you should take great pains to execute the motions cor- rectly. As for instance, if the movement is with the arm straight and the club horizontal, be careful not to get it above that point ; and when the motion is perpendicular, be sure to get it as near that position as possible. The same rule is to be observed through all the different mo- tions. Take the position as in Figure 1 ; body erect, breast outward, back drawn in, knees straight, toes turned slightly INDIAN CLUB EXEECISE. 75 outward ; club in each hand, hanging pendent at the sides. The hand grasping firmly, but not too rigidly, raise the right arm in front, elbow straight, to a horizontal position five or ten times. Place the left arm the same way ; then both.' Raise the right arm in front to a perpendicular position ; left the same ; then both ; right hand sidewise to a horizon- tal; left the same; then both. Fig. 2. Fig. 3. Right hand sidewise to a^ perpendicular ; left the same ; then both, as in Figure 2. Right hand directly in front ; swing the club over the right shoulder until it hangs pendent behind, as in Figui-e 3, the thumb of the hand touching the shoulder ; the sanie with the left hand ; then with both hands. Swing the right hand in front to the left, as in Figure 4 ; then to the right, passing the club over the right shoulder 76 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. sidewise until it hangs pendent behind ; the same with the , left ; then with both alternately. Holding the clubs as in Fif^ ure 5, without moving the arms at the elbows, but bending only the wrist, let the club come down slowly to lie on the arm ; first with the right arm, then the left ; then both at the same time. Then go through the same motion with the arms directly in front. Swinging motion in front, as seen in Figure 6 ; the arms should be swung well up, and come close down in front, first to the right, then the left. Be ^^°-^- careful not to let the clubs strike each other. This is a preparatory motion for more difficult ones in which the clubs pass behind. Standing as in Figure 1, swing the left hand in front, the right behind at the same time ; arms not above a horizon- tal position. In this motion the body turns at the Avaist. (Figure 1.) The clubs hanging pendent at the side, the right hand will make a complete circle directly in front ; left hand the same. From first position, the right hand will make a circle at right angles with the body, left the same ; alternately, first right, then left. First position. Raise the right hand opposite the chin, the large end of the club upward, as in Figure 8. Now raise the hand on a line with the right shoulder, and let the , INDIAN CLUB EXEECISE. 77 outer end of the club fall toward the left shoulder, as in Fig- lU'e 9. Making a full circle behind, bring it to the starting point before the face. The same with the left hand, the right hanging pendent ; now with both bands alternately. In first position, bring the club up in front, arm bent, and elbow close to the body. Now straight- en the arm out in front, at the same moment the outer end of the club makes a circle. This is done wholly with the wrist ; it is an excellent motion for the w-rist and fore-arm. The same with the left hand ; then al- ternately or simultane- ously with both. This motion can be reversed by letting the clubs fall to the rear or reverse Avay. This you will find more difficult. Remember the clubs go at right angles with the body. In first position. Bring the clubs as in Figure 2, let them make the short circle behind, and a wide one in front. As it passes in front the arm is extended, the elbow straight. Same with the left hand ; then with both hands alternately, as in Figure 10. First position. Pass the right hand over the head, club passing the left shoulder, and hanging pendent behind. Keep the hand in this position. Now pass the left hand over the right shoulder, until the club hangs pendent. Fig. 5. 78 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. Now raise the hands straight over the head, as in Figure 11, the elbows or arms stretched. Drop tliem again in their position. Repeat, first with the right, then with the left. Fig. 6. From the first position swing the right hand to the right, until the club reaches a horizontal position, then by a turn of the wrist drop it downward and backward. This will make the small circle behind. IsTow bring it in front with the arm extended to its full length, and make the large circle in front, as in Figure 12. The same with the left hand, then with both alternately, as in Figure 13. There are many motions performed with the arras ex- tended, the clubs being held vertically either directly in front or at the sides, from which they are dropped to the right, to the left, the outer ends toward each other, then INDIAN CLUB EXERCISE. V9 from each other, so that the handles touch. Those motions are no doubt good for strengthening the wrists and fore- arm. But as I exercise the same muscles in light Dumb Bell practice with less liability of straining, I simply refer to them here as not altogether calculated for new beginners. Fig. 7. . From the first position swing the club to the right, and over the right shoulder behind ; turn the face to the right, the feet being at right angles. Now swing the club in front, turning the body to the left; and when the club reaches a horizontal position, let it drop from you, turning it by the wrist alone. It will here perform a small circle. Do the same with the left hand, and then with both simultane- ously, as in Figure 14. This is a splendid motion if done well ; it exercises all parts of the body. Remember that when you are looking to the right, the clubs hang behind ; when to the left, they make the same circle, by the action of the wrist. Simultaneous Movement. — From first position, swing 80 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. the clubs up, as in Figure 2. Now extend the right arm sidewise to the right ; at the same instant throw the left hand behind the head, the club making the short circle be- Fig. 8. Fig. 9. hind the back, while the right is performing the large one in front. Make the same over the left shoulder, alter- nately. This motion is also performed from a three-quarter circle ; or, in place of starting the clubs from a perpendicu- lar, commence from the right horizontal. They are both very graceful motions. Spine Motion. — In this you can nse a larger club. Both hands grasp the club firmly, and as you spring the club up, face to the right, the arms passing over the head, the hands just touching the back of it, the club hanging pendent be- hind, as in Figure 15. The feet should be eighteen inches apart, and at right angles with each other. Now swing the INDIAN CLUB EXERCISE. 81 club in front, being careful not to separate or close the feet, but simply turning on both heels as you face to the right or left. Next separate the legs, toes turned out ; the club hang- ing in front between them ; arms extended. Now swing the club over the back, head between the arms as in the former motion ; then in front, passing the club between the legs, and bending the body well forward, the upper part nearly forming a horizontal. These are two excellent mo- tions for the spinal and abdominal muscles. Being so per- fectly simple, they can be jDei-forraed at the first trial. Fig. 10. Fig. 11. Simultaneous Movement. — From first position swing the clubs np as in Figure 17 ; turn the face slightly to the right ; move both hands in the same direction, the right hand club making the circle behind, and the left the circle in front. The left arm is kept perfectly straight, while the right is 82 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. bent at the elbow, as in Figure 16. By alternating this mo- tion you will find it more difficult. Now .reverse the position of the hand on the club. In- stead of the hand grasping with thumb downward, it is close to the end of the handle. From this manner of grasping the club the exercise becomes more difficult. You will therefore use more precaution, and practice the motions very slowly at first. Fig. 12. From first position bring the clubs as in Figure 17. Now bend the left arm at the elbow, and bring the hand of the same to the right breast, as in Figure 18. Now INDIAN CLUB EXERCISE. 83 Fig. 14. 84 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. straighten th-e left arm, and bend the right so that the hand touches the left breast. Clubs grasped as in the preceding ; bring them up in front ; elbows near the body, clubs hang- ing pendent. Raise the right hand to that side, and on a line with the shoulder. The outer end of the club will make an oblique circle by a slight movement of the wrist and elbow. The same with the left hand ; then with both alternately, as in Figure 19. Simultaneous Motion. — First position. Swing the clubs up as in Figure 17. ISTow raise" them together, keeping them at a distance of from six to eight inches ^''°"^°" apart. Let them drop be- hind, over the right shoulder, both arms being bent. Now swing them in front, both arms extended as in Figure 20 ; then behind ; arms bent, and so on. Alternate this motion also. Simultaneous Motion. — First position. Put both arms in motion, clubs passing close to the legs. Swing upward, the left hand passing back of the head, and the club making a circle behind and over the right shoulder ; the right hand following, and performing the circle in the same place. The left hand now makes the wide circle before the body, the right hand immediately following the same over the left shoulder ; then alternately. This motion can bo performed by making the club behind execute two short circles while the one in front is making one. INDIAIS^ CLUB EXERCISE First position. With, the right hand swing the club, hanging pendent, around the left shoulder, making a com- plete circle around the body. The left the same ; then alternately. The above motion reversed, starting with the right hand. In place of passing it in front of the body, let it make the circle behind by a turn of the wrist and elbow. The same with left hand ; then with both alternately. This you will find more difficult than the former; but it is, how- ever, only a simple motion. Fig. 16. Simultaneous Motion. — From first position, raise the clubs as in Figure 2 ; then carry the hands up over tl^ 86 MANUAL OP PHYSICAL EXERCISES. head, being careful to keep both hands perfectly even. When the hands reach the top, and a little behind the head, drop the clubs in opposite directions ; the right making a circle behind the right shoulder, the left ' behind the left shoulder. Simultaneous Double Motion. — The upper motion the same as the previous, both clubs performing the circle be- hind at the same instant. Now cross the hands in front, making a wide or large circle ; then behind again, and so on a number of times. Fig. IS. Simultaneous Triple Motion, — Hold the clubs as in Fig- ure 2. Raise them over and back of the head, keeping the hands close and even. Now cross them, and make the small circle behind ; next the large one in front, with arms Intended, bringing the clubs again to the head. But in INDIAN CLUB EXERCISE. 87 place of the hands going behind, they are both thrown out straight sidewise, and the outer ends of the clubs make a cir- cle on a line with the shoulder. This motion you continue in the time of one — two — three. Fig. 19. You may make a combination of four motions by adding the reverse forward to the three previous motions. Clubs hanging pendent as in first position ; swing the arms directly past the body toward the right side, where they are held horizontal, the right hand club laying on the right arm, with the large end toward the head, the left arm Avell across the body and on a line with the right. Now swing them to the left alternately. Simultaneous Motion. — Clubs held as in Figure 15. MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. Throw the right hand to the front, the club making a circle at right angles with the body ; the left performing the cir- cle behind the back ; first, the right in front, left behind ; then left in front, right behind. Clubs hanging pendent, swing them past the body to the right. When they arrive at a horizontal posi- tion, the right hand club will make a small circle in front of the arm, of Avhich the elbow must be straight. The left hand makes the large circle in front. Now to the left, the left hand making the small circle, and so on alternately. Siinultaneoiis Motion. — Holding the clubs as in Fig- ure 15, extend both arras i^ig-20. sidewise at the same time, the clubs dropping from you and making a circle in front of the arras. Arriving at the j)roper position, they will make the circle behind the arms ; and so on, first in front, then behind. From the position of Figure 2, throw the left hand out sideways, the club making the small circle behind the arm, the right hand following over and back of the head ; the left hand in the mean time passing in front ; the right also making the same motion, commencing with right hand ; then alternately. From position of Figure 1, the right hand will make the small circle behind, then the left, then both alternately. 2. Ipntirs. . CHAPTER V. Rowing 91—124 Witli Tioo Illustrations. CHAPTER VI. Sailing 125—132 CHAPTER VII. Reooeb or Rowing Matches anb Regattas 133 — 141 CHAPTER VIII. Rules fos Regattas 142 — 151 CHAPTER IX. Swimming 152—160 With Six Illustrations. CHAPTER X. ' Skating .' 161—160 RO^VING. 91 CHAPTER Y. EOWING. In New York, more than in any other city in the Union, are ont-door sports indulged in. This metropo- lis has always felt justly proud of her pre-eminence in that respect. New Yorkers enter into those sports with a zest and spirit not found in any other part of the States. Known all over the world for their energy and their go- aheadativeness, it is said abroad that Americans live on excitement which they th«mselves furnish; and whether rowing or sailing on the smooth bay or river, j^racticing on the base ball ground, the skating pond, or the race- course, New Yorkers ably sustain the acknowledged su- periority of their country. There is certainly no out-door amusement superior to boat-rowing, or any with a greater number of advantages. It adds vigor and strength to the arms and shoulders, ex- pands the chest, and can riot fail to impart health and beauty to all who practice it. Under those circumstances it affords the writer great j)leasure to see so many of our young men enjoying this delightful and invigorating ex- ercise. Clubs are now formed or formmg in all parts of the States where the opportunity offers to enjoy this exercise. The students of Yale and Harvard have done much to in- spire others to engage in this beneficial amusement. Taking a deep interest in all that pertains to the well- 92 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. being of man, and knowing that rowing is one that tends, to promote his health and strength, I wish to impart to the beginner some knowledge of the Art or Science of Rowing, for it is well known that in the race-boat of the present day, no man can do justice to himself or the boat, unless he possess some skill in the art of handling the oar. The explanations that I am about to give will be plain and brief, and coming from one who has acquired them by close application and practice, can be relied on as being in all probability nearly if not quite right. The two greatest yearly " events" which take place in England are the " Derby" horse-race and the " University boat-race." They are alike mainly in respect to the in- terest which they excite among the best classes in Great Britain. The interest in rowing is almost entirely free from the injurious influences wkich are so often to be found upon the race-course. It is true bets are sometimes made, but the amount is generally small, and they do not con- stitute, as in the case of the horse-races, the real occasion of the excitement. Rowing is popular because it is a manly and healthful sport and pastime. There is a fascination which clings about the practice of this difiicult and beautiful art be- tween the rival universities in England. It is the best blood, the best culture, and the best physical develop- ment that go to make up the two crews. There is perhaps no, sport or exercise in the world which alFords a fairer or better. trial of the finest qualities of manhood. To be one of a first-class crew, you must possess skill, patience, self- control, and above all, " game" or " pluck." This is needed in every walk of life, but more especially in athletic con-- tests. There is always profound respect for the man who will endure and row a "game" race. The victory in a ROWING. 93 well contested boat-race is something to be proud of; and hence it tends to promote health if jDroperly indulged in ; the ])i\Ye air breathed into the lungs when rowing proves this to be not only strengthening to the muscular system, but also to the respiratory organs. In ordinary breathing, the rate is, for a healthy man, from sixteen to twenty insj)irations per minute, while the racing stroke is from forty to forty-four per minute. Now it should be understood that the breathing is regulated by the stroke ; therefore the rate of respiration is axigmented by both power and quickness. When a man is in a coui'se of training, the muscles regulating respiration and circula- tion are suddenly called upon to do three times their cus- tomary amount of work. Often they fail, and this failure is set down to want of strength or endurance. But in my judgment it is caused more frequently by obstructions from internal fat. It must be remembered that training for strength and training for " wind," which is the second essential in rowing, are different things, to be attained by different means. All depends upon the work to be done. For lifting, a man's muscles — especially those of the arms, chest, and shoulders — must be powerfully developed. This is not so absolutely required in rowing, although it is cer- tainly an advantage, providing the respiratory power is in keeping with the muscular. Let us see for a moment how the law which regulates development affects the respiratory organs. Take the man who is strong, and anxious to become an oarsman. Why can not he keep pace with the man who has had adequate practice in rowing? Simply because he has not yet a rowing heart, lungs, arteries, and vems. His heart, lungs, and blood-vessels — the whole respiratory and circulatory system — have been trained for other circumstances and to 94 MANUAL OP PHYSICAL EXERCISES. other occupations, and are fitted to perform their functions in another way than that called for in rowing. In rowing, the heart has to contract from 100 to 110 times in a minute ; in ordinary life it is about 75 times. Just as occupation has made these organs what they now are, so will other occupations and exercises alter them, and the change will cause an increased activity in all the organs. The health and ability of every organ in the human body is in relation to its activity. One might just as well set a cripple to run or jump, as to set a man who has led a sedentary life, with a narrow, flat, or defective chest, to row a boat-race. Such men have rowed races, but never without experiencing, at the close of the contest, faintingSj giddiness, and nausea. Rowing exercise will improve all such, but racing never will — their lungs not being suf- ficiently strong. Position in the Boat. — You should sit nearly straight — the head not thrown down, nor to the right or left, nor the shoulders shrugged up. The whole position of the upper part of the body should be natural. This will give the muscles of the arms and shoulders free play. The feet should be placed with the heels close, firmly against the stretcher, exactly in front of the body ; the knees slightly bent, but not so that the handle of the oar will touch them. The shoulders must be kept square, in order that the work may be done squarely. The action of the body in swinging should be exactly " fore-and-aft," or in a direct line with the boat, parallel with it. Great care must be taken that the body does not move in or out board ; for this movement causes the boat to rock, by which means each rower loses the power of his stroke. Thivart. — It is quite necessary that this should be of the exact height, so that you have perfect command over I ■B EOWING. 95 the oar. If the seat is too low, although it may inij)rove the stiffness of the boat, she will be very apt to drag ; but if it is at the proper height, the action of the men will be better, and the speed of the boat increased. Grasping the Oar. — This is the next essential point ; unless the oar is grasj)ed properly, you will find it dif- ficult to do the work right. The* outside hand should be placed with the thumb above the handle, while the inside hand grasps with the thumb beneath. The hands must not be over four or five inches apart; I think by the thumb of the outside hand being upward, there is a slight increase of power. The inside hand, with the grasp, is in every case the controlling power of the oar. The elbows must be kept close to the sides, and in the stroke should be well extended. Length of Stroke. — The hands should never reach over the, toes. There are two reasons for this. The first and principal one is, that the more you extend the hands aft or over the toes, the more you throw the blade of the oar forward, and the greater will be the angle when it enters the water. The power should be put on the oar just be- fore it becomes parallel with the boat, and from that time until the finish of the stroke. This gives the boat the " shoot" while the oars are out of water, or while the " recover" takes place. The second is, that it cramps the muscles of the stomach too much, and causes too great ex- ertion to make the recover. Again, when the speed of the boat is to be increased, the stroke should be quicken- ed, but not shortened. The stroke should always be long and uniform, but the recover quick. The greater the power applied to the oar, the greater will be the speed of the boat,, provided that the oars are not too long out of the water. Many fall into the error of shortening the 96 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXEECISES. stroke when called upon for a " spurt," by which means the very power that propels the boat is lost in the air by the rotary motion made by the blade before entering the water. Placing the Oar in the Water. — Great care must be taken that the oar enters the water rightly. If the lower jDart of the blade should in the least slant, or incline tow- ard the after part of the boat in entering the water, it would tend to press the boat down on that side ; and if the same j^art of the blade entered the water inclined tow- ard the bow, the action of the oar would be upward, or, perhaps, the rower would " unship" his oar. The blade of the oar should enter the water exactly at right angles with the surface. That is, if I place the flat or wide part of the blade uj)on the water, I would call it parallel ; but if I put the oar in edgewise, as it is used to propel the boat through the watei', I would say it entered at right angles ; and no man can row Avell unless his oar enters ex- actly in this form, 17ie Feather. — This is the action of the blade of the oar on leaving the water at the finish of the stroke. It is done by a slight turn of the wrist toward the body — the blade leaving the water at an angle of from forty-five to fifty degrees. Great care must be take^n that the upper edge of the blade inclines ujDward ; for otherwise you will be liable to " catch crabs," I have seen many who Avere called good oarsmen — and for strength and endurance were really very fair — who neglected entirely the scien- tific principles of rowing. They were careless in putting the oar in the water, and as much, if not more so, in taking it out, J have already attem^Dted to show the errors that are made upon the oar entering the water. The oarsman EOWING. 97 should be equally careful to correct the fault of the oar leavmg the water in any excejot the right way. Unless the oar is properly " feathered," it will make " back-wa- ter" at the finish of the stroke. Now to prevent this, you must see that the blade only takes |Jie water ; then if the wrist is turned, as" I have described, at the proper mo- ment, there will not be an ounce of back-v>^ater. But. if you press the oar deep, so that the shank is sikbmerged, as many do, you make extra labor for yourself, and hinder the speed of the boat. Movement in the Stroke. — When 'four, six, or eight, or whatever number compose the crew, commence to prac- tice, the first thing to be taken into consideration is the " stroke," and its proper execution. There may be no two of a crew of the same height, Or length of body. One may have long arms, another short. Still the stroke must be of the same length, — unless this is done, the boat will not go steadily, or upon her bottom. The first duty of the stroke-oar, which is the most important position in the boat, is to see that he does not overreach his crew. I have seen some row in this place who labored under the erroneous impression that the longer they made the stroke the better it must be — losing sight entii*ely of the capa- bilities of the other members roAving with him. The stroke should be Ibng and uniform, so that each man's power can be drawn out to the fullest extent. The "stroke," — if he takes an interest in the crew — will observe carefully the action and style of rowing of each man. In order to do this, he will let a friend take his place occasionally, and he will.be rowed in another boat; and whenever he discovers faults, he will try to correct them on the instant. Equalizing the Poioer. — This is a very important mat- E 98 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXEKCISES. ter, and one frequently lost sight of by some of the most expert oarsmen. Unless the power u]3on each side of the boat is equal, the rudder must be used, — and this imme- diately hinders the " way" or speed of the boat. Nearly every man has his fanorite side upon which to row ; and if you place them upon the opposite — although it might be done for the purpose of making the .sides equal in weight, power, or perhaps both — they are apt to com- plain, forgettmg that it is by this means they become scientific oarsmen. A man knows little of r owing, or handling the oar, who can row only on one side. After the selection of the crew, the next important point is equalizing its power; and this must be done almost re- gardless of weight. In the old style of boats, where each man was obliged to sit close to the side, weight had to be taken into consideration in order to keep the boat on an even keel. But now the boats are quite different, being only wide enough to sit in. The first thing to look to is the propelling power, and to place it in such a position that it will produce all the speed possible. The power be- ing equal on both sides, the boat glides through the water upon a straight course, the cockswain having no occasion to use the rudder. There is no resistance, and consequent- ly the speed of the boat must be increased. Oars Entering the Water at JEqual Distances Apart. — This must be strictly observed by each one of the crew. The distance between the blade of each man's oar as it enters the water should be exact. Then every one of the crew takes the weight at the same time, and the boat will go steady and upon her bottom. But if one is short in his sti'oke, and his oar strikes the water in advance of the others, he not only gets the weight of the boat first, but it tends to give her a rocking motion, which frequently BOWING. 99 throws the whole crew out of stroke, and consequently lessens the sijeed. This is an error to which I wish to call particular attention, for I have seen it so much in practice that I have sometimes thought that one of the most im- portant and essential principles in scientific oarsmanship was being lost. As I have said before, the stroke should be uniform, so that each one of the crew can take and execute it with ease and grace. If it is very long, then the short-armed or short-bodied man is obliged to make an extra exertion in order that his oar will enter the Avater at the proper dis- tance. The movement of the body if possible should be the same, or as neai' the same as the different formations will permit. The Stroke. — In this there can be no regular system laid down as regards the length, and so on. The grand and most essential point is to lay out the strength to the best advantage, although I think that no crew in a contest should row less than forty strokes per minute. This can be made a full, long, sweeping stroke, but not slow, as the number will show, the shortness being in the " recover," or when the oars are out of the water. It should be smooth and uniform, without any sj)lash or jerk, the oar entering the water, as I have before fully described, fair and clean, feeling the weight light and gradually at first, then increasmg the power until abreast of the roAvlock or outrigger, where the full strength is put on, and from that to the " finish" or end of the stroke. Skill must here be used to " feather" clean, without holding or raising water with the shank or blade. The manner of performing this I have fully explained under its proper headmg? Many differ in oj)inion in regard to the height. The blade of the oar should be from the water on the recover, 100 MANUAL OP PHYSICAL EXERCISES. or as it passes from aft to forward. But in'tHs there can be no regular or specific height given. It depends entirely upon the state of the water. If it is smooth, the " feather" should he low and natural. There is not the slightest danger of the blade touching the water between the strokes while in the hands of a skillful oarsman. When the water is rough, the oar must be* raised just high enough to clear the ripple. I have been informed by a gentleman who witnessed the contest last year between the Oxford and Cambridge crews, that the former, between each stroke, raised their oars exceedingly high. If that was so — and I have no reason to doubt it — it must have bedh in consequence of what is called in England " lumpy watei'," or what we call "rough water," for I can not believe that the crew that could make such a race and time as was made on that occa- sion, could have done it with their oars swinging or hover- ing in the air. It is performed only in my judgment by science, nerve, strength, and endurance. If each one of the crew moves and takes the water alike, it will be almost impossible to detect the slightest alteration ia the speed of the boat between the strokes ; that is, provided the swing of the body is not over the perpendicular. The body should swing' very little, if any, beyond the perpen- dicular. When the bodies of four, six, or eight oarsmen are thrown backward or toward the bow of the boat, it must tend to press that part down, causing her to " dodge" or " dip ;" and if the bow goes down, the stern must neces- sarily come up. Thus you see the water lines of the boat are changed at every stroke, and consequently impedes her sjjeed. • Trimtning the Boat. — Getting and keej^ing the boat in trim is very essential when speed is required. A boat BOWING. 101 should be rowed upon her bottom; not fii'st on one side , and then on the other, Nor should she be trimmed either by the bow or stern, but exactly upon an even keel or bottom. This can generally be done by placing the heavy men amidships or in the middle of thje boat, where in every case the strongest men should be seated. Princijocd Faults hi Beginners. — 1. Stooping forward over tlie oar just before or at the finish of the stroke. 2. Making the first half of the stroke in the air, or not putting the oar in the water imtil it gets abreast or abaft the row- lock. This is one of the expedients often used by men who are shirking the work. It is a sort of accompaniment to the previous fault. 3. Not extending the arms at the elbows, but keeping them partially bent, thereby losing much power. 4. Round rowing ; that is, performing too great a circle with the blade of ^he oar both out and in the water. That is, as the oar goes forward the blade is high up in the air, and in entering the water it is plunged down deep, by which that side of the boat is dragged down, and her way partially stopped. 5. Raising the el- bows out and in board from the sides. This practice has not only a very bad appearance, but much of the power is lost. 6. Turnmg the head at every stroke to look at the oar. This not only tires the muscles of the neck and shoulders, but leads to uneven rowing. 7. Shortening the neck by dropping the head toward the breast, thereby raising the shoulders and preventing free breathing. 8. Turning the head to look at every passing object. The foregoing are the principal faults of begimiers, which by a little care and attention might be avoicWd. Stroke- Oar and Keeping Strohe. — As the stroke is given by the person rowing in that position, so it should be taken and imitated Ify each one of the crew. It is presumed that 102 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. you have selected the very best man in the crew for that place. I mean the best man as regards skill and science in the work he is called upon to do while in the boat. If that is so, then by every means in your power try to be- come equal to him. ^Measure well the length and depth of each stroke ; follow if possible the exact movement he makes, and keep the stroke to the very second. When he is pulling strong, you do likewise ; when easy, you will do the same. A man that is pulling easy, or what is called " shirking," when the rest of the crew are rowing hard, though he may keep time, can not well keep the stroke. It is only necessary to watch for a moment the blade of his oar, and the fault is detected. The speed of the boat de- pends entirely upon the true and perfect action of each man, laying out his or their strength at the same moment, to the same degree, and in the same direction. Perfect time being kept, their acts become simultaneous, all moving and performing as one man. So important is keeiDing the stroke with true accuracy, that a crew pulling well together will always beat one of heavier, stronger, and perhaps better men, who row in different or various styles, or Avhat is often called " every man upon his stroke," no two oars taking the water at the same time. For speed, the action and jDOwer must be simultaneous. Meeting the Oar. — This is most generally caused through weakness — princij)ally of the back, or it may be from a tend- ency to shirk: the one being impossible to prevent until the strength is restored by exercise ; the other caused or produced by disinclination or laziness. Whatever may be the cause, it is dl^habit which is exceedingly difficult to remedy, especially when weakness has produced it; for here the back has not the power to bring the oar through the water in the same time as the stroke. 'Consequently ROWING. 103 the body meets it, by which, means the force and power is lost. Early Practice. — The excellence or beauty of rowing lies in doing it well. There is nothing that enables a beginner to detect and correct faults as slow, careful rowing at first. Twenty or twenty-five strokes per minute are quite enough to commence with; then almost every fault is visible. The movement of the body, the ' length of stroke, the entering of the oar in the water — in fact, about every error can be noticed at this pace. It is in this rowing that the correct style should be fixed upon, and all ought to follow it to the best of their ability. I have already described the proper manner of holding the oar, but in rowing with ease, grace, and style, the fol- lowing points should be considered : each man must have his rowlock of the exact width, so that he can get his full reach forward. The body should be bent forward at the hips only ; the back straight ; head well up ; shoulders freely extended; the eyes glancing horizontally toward the blade of the oar, but not so that the head is turned. The oar should enter the water without any " slap" or splash, the blade at right angles with its surface ; then the " pull." This is the most important and difficult point or part to get correct, and nothing but practice Avill give the oarsman skill and science to tell the exact moment in which the greatest amount of force and power should be put on. I have said elsewhere that it should be put on just before the blade gets abreast of the rowlock, and continued from that moment until it leaves the water. Close application, with many years of practical expe- rience, has satisfied me that Avith this system of rowing, a gi-eater amount of speed is gained. It will often appear to 104 MANUAL OP PHYSICAL EXERCISES. the casual observer, while looking at a well practiced crew, that the power is put on at the moment the oar touches the water. But it is not really so. As soon as the full, stroke is attained, the arms and shoulders bring the oar home by bending the elbows, but keeping them close to the body, the back nearly straight, the shoulders natural, the chest open, that the lungs may have full play, the head easy, and not bent forward. I have said that this practice must be executed slowly and with much care and atten- tion ; then, as you improve in skill, increase the number of strokes and their poAver. The quickness and strength must be kept up only as long as you are rowing or striking- together. The moment you feel fatigued, ease up, and when refreshed, try again. This is called rowing hard, or " spurting." The average number of strokes for perfect execution, should not exceed forty-four per minute ; beyond this number the exertion becomes so great that much of the power is lost. How to Train. — It is important to know how to train for rowing, walking, and running, or any exercise or com- petition Avhere science, stamina, and endurance are re- quired; to learn how to get into the finest possible state of health and condition. Vigorous health and fine con- dition is every thing, and in this state a man can do almost any thing. The true principle of training is to nourish the body as rapidly as possible, and at the same time get rid of the loose or "soft flesh." Training may be compared to the rapid consumption of fuel in locomotive engines by a quick draught of air, and the production of steam from an immense extent of heated surface, obtained by exposing to the fii"e many tubes filled with water. The best of fuel is supplied to the man in trainins; in the form of food. His smoke and cinders must ROWING. 105 Tbe got rid of rapidly, so as to excite the fierce combustion demanded for the pace he has to go and the long continued efforts he has to make. Now, to accomplish this, the fire-grate and chimneys of the human engine must be kept clear and in perfect work- ing order. The skin, which lets off the waste steam and smoke from millions of pores or something like twenty- eight miles of tubing, is of the first importance. By long experience from the Greeks and Romans uj) to the present day, those taking an. interest in physical culture have paid the closest attention to the skin, whether in the prepara- tion for a contest between men or horses. A great amount of friction is necessary for cleansing the skin. Perspiration is excited and kept up at regular intervals, and the pores are cleansed by rubbing first with coarse towels, and then with sj^onge and water. By this means, the circulation of , the blood in the minute net-AVork of vessels all over the body is assisted. A man in good health will discharge from two to three and a half pounds ©f water alone from the skin daily. But in training, this is greatly increased. Then the lungs, being nearer to the central furnace of the body, are of even more imj)ortance to be kept at w^ork. Then the skin, for from them the principal part of the smoke must be got rid of, besides a good deal of steam ; or, in other words, carbonic acid gas and watery vapor. In ordinary health a man expires about. twenty-one ounces of steam daily ; of course a man undergoing great exertion breathes off much more than this. We can all readily see that for a man to have what is called good " wind" or en- durance, his lungs must be able to bear the constant and rapid contraction and expansion, and the strong action of the heart in driving on the vital stream, without fatigue or distress. I would advise no person with a weak chest ever E* 106 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. to attempt to go into a hard course of " training," tlaougli the regimen or exercise very moderately and gradually applied would be beneficial, by expanding and enlarging the chest, for it simply embraces the well-known precepts of fresh aii', exercise, simple food, no excesses, and early hours. Training is for those who are favored by nature with a strong constitution, and who can endure exercise occa- sionally as severe as the man who is preparing for a contest upon the water goes through. By it the lungs are venti- lated as they can not be in ordinary exercise, arid the high vigor of the system maintained. In quiet breathing, as much as 100 cubic inches of air rematils in the chest, while only about 25 inches is expired. But with active exercise, this is increased to 140 cubic inches, and renewed at the rate of from 40 to 50 times in a minute. As athletic games are becoming so popular with us, and • many young meri being ambitious to engage in them either for pleasure or fame, I will Jay down some rules as a guide by which they will be able to perform to better advantage. Many men try to get into condition for competition whose business prevents them from devoting much time to train- ing; it is for this class that the following advice is given. I do not mean to say that this course will bring a man to any thing like perfection, but he will be able to acquit himself respectably in any comj)etition. I know many young men, and I believe there are thousands who Avould like to train, but the principal portion of the day being oc- cupied either at study, in an office, or elsewhere, they im- agine there is no time for exercise or to improve the con- dition. But I must be allowed to differ with all such, and I have not the least doubt that I shall be able to convince them to the contrary. JAf KOWINGt, 107 Now what has been the general course of practice with our amateur boat-ckxbs just previous to a regatta ? The gentlemen composing the crew, or tlie greater number of them, have perhaps been confined to an office all day ; they enter to compete for some prize, or for that which is of more value — fame and honor. They are perhaps ignorant of or throw aside entirely the strict rules of training, but com- mence reducing themselves. How do they do it? They get into the boat at night when the dew is falling, and row until they can hardly raise the oar out of the water from fatigue and exhaustion. ^SV^hen they arrive at the boat- house they are hi a profuse perspiration. Then in place of rubbing dry and talcing a fine sponge bath, putting on dry clothing and going to bed, they often walk home in their wet clothes. Some being more indiscreet than others, will stof) at an ale-house and drmk, getting home at a very late hour. If a man has the strongest constitution possible, such action will soon break it down. This is what I call the worst kind of training. It would be far better to take none at all. The man going into strict training wants and must have joatience, for without it no one can ever get into the re- quired condition. It generally takes from thirty to sixty days, according to the amount of superfluous flesh to be removed. To do this a man must j)ersevere. Some degree of courage or tenacity is here required, and unless you have it, it would be very doubtful if you would stick properly to the rules of trainmg. I have seen young gentlemen, when first selected for a crew, exhibit symptoms of nervousness. This operates against a man at the moment of excitement, and is apt to deprive him of much of his natural power. But I would ten to one rather see a man a little nervous than to see him 108 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. over-confident; for I have always found the nervous man to pay stricter attention to his training than the over-con- fident one. Over-conlidence has lost many a race by the men not getting into fine condition. The old system of training, in my opinion, was perfect- ly ridiculous. It took from the man much of his vitality, and left him in many instances a perfect wreck. The modern one, although perhaps subject to 'many improvements, is beyond all doubt the proper one. The right method of training is to get into condition with a lasting benefit to the constituti^! First, then, remember exercise creates the demand. Food yields the supply. This must be the result if the system of exercise is properly carried out. In olden times the Greek and Roman athletes paid great attention to the physical exercises, but at the same time were allowed to gorge to their fullest extent. This is not so at the present day. Two good meals a day, Avith meat, is considered quite sufficient : — those are breakfast and dinner. The supper should be very simple, composed of oatmeal, bis- cuit, dry toast, tea without milk, and with very little sugar. After supper a short walk might be taken, and then to bed at nine or half j)ast nine o'clock. Walking and running are the chief exercises to improve the wind and reduce the flesh. Tlje man in training should leave his bed at six in the morning in his usual training dress. Flannel must be worn next the skin. Com- mence the walk at a moderate pace, and as the blood gets into a brisk circulation, increase the speed. From two to four miles should be gone over every morning, j)roviding the air is dry and the walking good. The last mile in coming home must be done on a run. Try occasionally a spurt, in order to see how the wind is improving. EOWIXG. 109 Then go. immGdiately to a room where there is no draft ; remove first the hat or cap, next the pants and drawers. Now ajDply the coarse towels, and rub dry. While this is going on, you will find the perspiration flowing freely from every pore in the upper part of the body. Slip off the shoes or boots, wipe the feet dry, and put on dry stock- ings and drawers, Now j)ull off the shirt, and rub per- fectly dry ; after which a sponge with cold water can be passed qxiickly over the chest and shoulders. Wipe dr}^, and dress. A series of strong gymnastic exercises is some- times adopted. Great attention should be paid to the condition of the skin. It should be smooth, soft, yet firm, and tight over the muscles, having the look of a blood horse when in perfect condition ; what I might term a transparent brilliancy. The muscles should stand out hard and jDrominent, and showing no i-ounding-off by fat. Per- sons in good health train full and j)lump. I mean they will look much larger stripped, although they may be from ten to thirty pounds lighter than when they commenced exercising. But if they fall off, it shows that they are not able to bear the severity of the process. Persons while training must avoid taking liquids in large draughts, as it is prejudicial to good digestion. Thirst always follows or arises from violent exercises, and great carg must be taken in the manner of quenching it. This should be done by sipping small quantities, rinsing out the mouth, pouring water on the wrists, etc. Never take large draughts after severe exertion. I believe water tOt be the very best beverage, to be drunk during any strong exercise — such as walking, running, rowing. Tea,- if drank moderately cool, is, however, a very light and stimulating drink ; but beer and spirits of any or every kind, are fatal to all great efforts. 110 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXEBCISES. A diet ill which flesh is the principal article, is indispen- sable in our climate and with our habits. There is this im- portant piece of encouragement in favor of adopting a reg- iilar system of exercise : that Avhen the body is in perfect working order, the digestion partakes in tRc general high tone. A man then feels like" a man, and rejoices in having the stomach of an ostrich — but the stomach once out of condition, how miserable we feel. Each day is almost a misery of life.- 'Now what is there to prevent or hinder all men from attaining the full physical capabilities with which nature has endowed them ? Unfortunately, such is the demand nowadays for intellectual prowess, that the poor body gets neglected, and too often cruelly sacrificed. Most men dislike training, not on account of the work there is to do, but because it is so seldom done properly. Great harm is often done by the attempt to put a man who is out of condition through a course of training in too short a time. This kind of work can not be hurried over; it is the haste that causes the injury. /Selection of Men for a J^oafs Creto. — In selecting men to row, you must keep in view the kind of work there is to be done, and examine well the frame-work that is about to do it. The work to be done consists in pulling an oar or scull through the water by the muscles of the arms, shoulders, and back, together with the resisting .power of the legs. Much of the power exerted by the whole uiDj)er part of the body is conveyed by the thighs and legs to the stretcher, which acts as the resisting power, and pre- vents the seat from gliding off the thwart. It is necessary that the legs should be strong without being fleshy. Now in making the selection of a boat's crew, it must be borne in mind that the following points are essential — though,, of course this, like all rules, admits of exceptions. EOWIXG. Ill First, then, look at the depth of chest — for unless there is lung capacity, the imiscular power will not be sustained through the full distance. Next, the arms, shoulders, and hack should he considered. These should be strong and muscular, or covered with that which exercise would con- vert into muscle. The arms should be of good length, with full shoulders. The loins must be strong. A man can not always judge aright by merely looking at this point. Some men there are who have very small waists, yet are remark- ably strong ; others with large ones are comiDaratively weak. This can be only rightly known by a trial. AVhat would be the action of a man roAving, who had strong arms and shoulders, but a weak back ? The bodj^, instead of drawing the oar to it by the muscles of the arm, would, in consequence of the loins being weak, itself be drawn forward over the oar, and the stroke be rendered ineffect- ive. It is a very difficult matter to tell to any degree of certainty the strength or cajDacity of any individual unless by an actual trial ; for so much depends upon the early habits of a man, that no conclusion from the formation can possibly be arrived at. You take a slow awkward mail and place him in the pi'esent style of race-boat, and he would in all possibility prove useless. Now having examined the muscular strength, we turn our attention to the " wind" — the lungs and. the hftirt. •There should be no cough. The heart should be healthy and free from palpitation or any excitement. In regard to weight, I believe that 160 or 165 pounds is the very best weight that can possibly be j)laced in the present class of boats*for speed. As a general thing, in men that weigh over 170 pounds, the weight is out of pro- • portion to their muscular power. I know of but two ex- ceptions to this. With the old style of boat that was 112 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. formerly in use, heavy men were wanted to drive them through the water ; hut within the last few years, great improvements have been made in the model and weight of boats. The lightest weight should not be less than 138 or 140 pounds. If there is too much difference in the weight and strength of the men, the oars will not be pulled through the water with that precision and power, without which the boat Avill not attain her full rate of speed. Between 160 and 140 is the Aveight in condition ; nearer the former than the latter if possible. * TJie Practice Each Day. — The crew being selected, they will now commence work. It is by all means desirable that they should take their walks, runs, and meals together. In order that this may be done, board should be taken at some good farm-house near the river or lake, where at all times you could take your practice in the boat, regardless of wmd or current. If it is summer, you should rise at 6 A. M,, and take the morning walk and run, of from two to four miles, according to the state of the weather and the roads. If the morning is stormy, take exercise in-doors ; bring the skipping-rope, Indian clubs, swinging-bar, dumb- bells, and so on. At the conclusion of the exercise, rub well with crash towel, to be followed with sponge and cold water. Wipe dry, and put on well aired flannel. At 8 o'cfock you will be prepared to enjoy your first meal. PreaJcfast should consist of finely, broiled beef or mut- ton, with biscuit or bread a day old, with perhaps some dry toast. Tea without milk, and very little sugar ; this must not be taken too strong. Coffee or cocoa must not be used. • . After breakfast, the time can be spent until 10.30 in any bodily amusement that will not produce fatigue — a game* of billiards, quoits, or the like. At the hour appointed, the BOWING. 113 crew shoiild be in their boat for their morning's practice. If the training is for a three mile race, the exercise in tlic . boat should not exceed thirty-five minutes. If for a five mile race, forty-five minutes. Many men are under the impression the longer they practice, the better they row, foi'getting that after becoming tired, it is next to impossi- ble to row well in a crank boat. It is not the longer you row that imparts the skill in rowing ; it is the more frC' quently you practice. Returning from the exercise, you should not be in a condition ready to lie down, but after washing and dressing, feeling refreshed by taking it. Upon getting out of the boat, five minutes' exercise can be taken with the clubs, then wipe dry, and if it is a salt Avater stream or river, take a plunge in it and out again, on no account remaining in the Avater over thi'ee minutes. After being well rubbed, and clean and dry clothing on, take a book and sit down till it is time to dine. Dinner should consist of roast beef or mutton, with oc- casionally roast chicken — say once a week. The meat should alway^s be cooked to please the fancy- of those Avho partake of it. Many labor under the false idea that the meat should be quite under-done, or very rare. This is wi'ong ; meat should be ]Dlaced before the man cooked in a manner .that he can best enjoy it — then it is pleasant to the palate, and digestible to the stomach. I have seen some whose stomachs rebelled against rare meat, but who were told that was the only way they must eat it. When in training, those of the crew who like it rare, should have it so, while others Avho may have been tised to eating it better done, should haA^e it so. Any thing that pleases and- tastes Avell to the palate, will be Avell masticated before it is passed into the stomach ; but that which is put into the mouth and SAvalloAved Avithout relish, takes much longer to 114 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. digest. This will hold good with all of us iii every day- life. All other meats must he avoided except those named. In the early part of the training, potatoes may be eaten, but very sparingly. Stale bread and biscuit, with a glass of water or cup of weak tea, are admissible. If a man is training well, there is not the least, doubt that he will eat and enjoy this diet. There are some stomachs that are constantly craving for a change. This can not be. . If a man does not work and sleep Avell upon good roast beef, mutton, and chicken, be assured he will not on any other kind of food. Every third or fourth day, a pudding may be partaken of The foundation must be bread or crackers, with little or no milk, and from two to four eggs. I should not advise any to partake of this unless they really felt that the stomach required a change, and this they could relish. Half past three o'clock should again find them in the boat for their afternoon row. The same distance as in the morning should be taken. On the return from this exer- cise, attend to rubbing dry, with also hand friction. At seven prepare for supper. Supper. — This should be a light meal, and I know of nothing better than oatmeal porridge, with dry toast and a few fresh strawberry or raspberry biscuit. Tea may be used, not too strong, with little sugar and no milk. Occa- sionally a soft boiled Q^g can be taken. I have before remarked that much depends upon the constitution. Some will require a more liberal diet than others. A. man who is hardy and whose appetite is good, will train well upon the plainest food ; but another whose constitution is delicate, must be allowed some little change from day to day. Some stomachs are purged by oatmeal ; EOWING. 115 when this is the case, it should be avoided. When the men are inclined to be slightly loose in their bowels, toast- ed bi*ead must be used; or if constipation exists, coarse brown bread, made from the best undressed flour. I have now given the routine of each day's exercise, which, if taken as directed, will bring the rower into good condition on the day of the race. A Day's Training for JRowincj. Rise at 6 A. m. — Walk ; slow at first ; as the circulation increases, quicken the pace. One mile out, returning on a run. A dry rub down first, then cold sponge bath and rub. Breakfast at 7.30. — Mutton-chop or steak broiled ; stale bread or toast with tea. Exercise. — The morning row at 10, terminating at 11. Dinner at 1 p. m. — Beef or mutton roast or boiled ; one mealy potato. (See changes under head of training.) Exerciseat 3.30. — In the boat, concluding with a good spiu't. Tea. — Oatmeal porridge ; tea, toast, one egg boiled soft. • Bed ahont 10. — No food should be taken upon going to bed. Sujjimari/. Sleep. — Between eight and nine hours. Exercise. — Walking and rowing about four hours. -Diet. — As above. The above rules are of course open to modification according to cir- cumstances ; but it must never be lost sight of that good work, regularity, and cleanliness are the principal if not the only rules to be followed to produce thorough good condition. Sanitary Hints. I add a few hints on the treatment of some disorders by which oarsmen are not unfrequently annoyed. Blisters on the Hands. — These are very tipublesome, and should be pre- vented if possible. A preparation of rock-salt, vinegar, horse-radish ground, and arnica, mixed and rubbed upon the inside of the hand once or twice each day, will soon toughen the hands so that the friction of the oar will not blister them. Should blisters form, they should be pricked 116 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXEKCISES. with a very fine needle, to be inserted obliquely from under the old skin, and the watery fluid contained therein pressed out. I am not in favor of the oarsman, at any time when rowing, putting on kid gloves to protect the hands. If the hands are naturally soft, they should be kept out of the water. The wash I have mentioned will free them from dirt, and water would only tend to soften them. Blisters on the Feet. — The feet must be kept scrupulously clean. Should there be any hard, f allous flesh, it must be pared as close as pos- sible with a sharp knife, taking care not to make the part bleed. Then rub on a little simple ointment, or what I have never found to fail, the in- side part of the skin of a boiled potato. Use only soft, loose shoes or boots, with thick soles. Blisters on the Seat. — These come from the friction of the thwart, and frequently upon the hip nearest the side of the boat to which you row. They are often very difficult to cure, but I know of nothing better than to wash three or four times a day with castile-soap and milk-warm water. And at night upon going to bed, rub over the parts a salve made from castile-soap and arnica. Boils. — These are exceedingly annoying to the oarsman. Upon their first appearance, due attention must be paid to them. If they are upon the seat, or near the hip of the rower, as is most always the case, the best plan is to apply a stimulating plaster, which can be obtained at any drug store. This will ease and relax the inflamed vessels, and to a great de- gree relieve the pain. When ripe, they will often break of themselves ; otherwise they should be discharged by a needle or lancet. The bowels should be kept regular, and sea-bathing taken at least once each day. Piles. — I have often found men complaining bitterly about this exceed- ingly painful disease. Piles are in almost every case occasioned by cos- tiveness and cold. These disarrange the liver, and wlren once this organ is out of order, the whole machinery in the human body ceases to work smoothly. The following remedy I believe to be the best. First, attend to restoring the integrity of the digestive functions. This done, take fre- quent sitz-baths ; temperature at between 50° and 60°. Just before and after each stool, bathe well the parts with cold water. If the bowels are gently moved once a day, an(i the piles remain still painful, the applica- tion of the following ointment will give relief: Take of ointment of acetate of lead, an ounce and a half; of finely powdered opium. and gallic acid, one dram each. By this treatment, piles may almost always be relieved, and sometimes cured. But on the recurrence of disordered liver, EOWING. 117 they -will be sure to reappear ; and therefore every precaution should be taken to guard against indigestion. Exercise and proper diet are the very best medicines for this disease. Day of the Race. On the day and" the one previous, very little exercise should be taken. A walk may he indiilged in before breakfast, after which the crew may amuse themselves at chess, or backgammon, or the like, till about two or two and a half hours before the race, when you should take a good meal of roast beef or mutton, hard bread or biscuit, with water or a little weak tea. Thirty minutes before entering the boat, each man should be stripped, and first rtiM)ed well with the hands, particularly upon the arms, shoulders, and back. Then take alcohol of ninety-five jser cent, proof, and wash well the whole body, arms, shoulders, back, loins, and legs. These must be rubbed with the hands until dry. There are always friends to be found willing to perform this five minutes' labor on such a day. Next put on the rowing nhirt, drawers, and slippers ; over may be worn a pair of pants and loose coat, which must not be taken off un- til every thing is ready for the start. The Start. ^ Now is the time to be cool and collected. A man of nervous temperament will always be hiore or less excited at this moment, yet the exercise that he has taken has so strengthened the whole system, that if the mind is where it should be — upon the work that is to be done — he will exhibit little if any excitement. I have upon more than one occasion seen races lost through nothing but timidity or nervousness. This is frequently caused by the oarsman looking at every thing but his business. His duty at this 118 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXEECISES. moment is to keep his eyes and thoughts only upofi his boat and oar. The smallest and crankest boat that has as yet been rowed in this country, has been rowed by amateur oarsmen. I simply mention this fact to show that most of those gentlemen work with their brain as well as their muscle, which is required in the race-boat of to-day. Every thing being ready, you are waiting for the report of the pistol or the word " Go I" The accompanying illustration shows the po- sition that eac"h man should be in at the mo- ment this word is given. Above all things be CsiiBii careful that the blade of the oar takes the water right, and all at the same instant ; then the boat glides away upon her bottom, and every man can pull with all his power. If you are successful in obtaining the lead, the " stroke-oar" should, as soon as possible, cast his eyes at the working of the opponents ; and if he thinks it prudent, may call to his crew to ease a little. This often gives confidence, par- ticularly to those who have never rowed in a race before ; and with one who was tired or nervous at starting, doubles the amount of strength. . When there is a turn to be made in the race, use judgment, and place sufficient distance between you and your oj)j)onents, if possible, so that you will not touch each other at that point. In turning a stake or stake-boat, much de- pends upon how your boat arrives there. If the line from the starting-point to the stake be sti'aight, then all should for a moment " hold water," in order to slightly kill or stop BOWING. 119 the Avay of the boat; then if the port side makes the turn, the starlboard must "back hard. This is not a good or safe method of turning ; the boat should get there on what I might call a quarter turn, or a sgrt of quarter circle ; then there is not the slightest trouble. I once saw a good ci'ew beaten by making a poor turn, coming to the stake in the manner first described. The boat that has the lead after the turn is made, can scarcely lose it unless some accident should happen. At the close of the race rub dry, and put on clean and dry garments as quickly as possible. Wash the -mouth out with water, after which a sherry and egg may be taken, but nothing else. Remember this is not the time to gorge. The internal organs require rest for a short time, and they should have it. Mowing loith Sculls. Having described the manner of rowing an oar, I will give some hints on handling the sculls. The principle is exactly the same, except that one person uses two sculls instead of one oar. His place is in the middle of the thwart, as in the accompanying engravmg. The sculls should be grasped with the thumb underneath. Care must be taken that they both enter the water at the same time. The power shou.ld be equal, except when you want to turn or avoid touching any thing, I Avould advise all beginners to first practice in a good stiff boat before they venture in an outrigger, or even a narrow one ; there is really little danger of accidents, and you will always enter a small boat with much more confi- dence. It is the knowledge how to do a thing that gives one this feeling. One who knows exactly how a piece of work is to be done, finds no difficulty in doing it. So it is 120 MANUAL OP PHYSICAL EXERCISES. with an oarsman : if he can row well in a wide paratively stiff boat, he will have the confidence ture in one lighter, for he has now what he did not have at the commencement — practical knowledge of the work to be done. We have at present in this country, as they have also in England, two distinct styles of rowing, namely : the short and quick, and the long sweej)ing strokes. Both have their advocates. In this country the gentleman who pulls the short quick stroke is the chamj)ion ; in Europe it is the oppo- site : the one pulling the long stroke hold- ing that proud title. There can he no distinct rule laid down with regard to rowing sculls. In my opin- ion much depends upon the natural form and build of the man.* Experience teaches me that a long-bodied and long-armed man could not pull a short, quick stroke as well as he could a long sweeping one. His form operates against him doing so. Upon the other hand, take a short, stout, compact, muscular man, and he will row a short, quick stroke to great advantage, but would * It would be a difficult matter to find a better specimen of a man possessing a naturally fine organi- zation and fully cultivated, than the stroke-oar of the Yale Crew of 1864-65. This gentleman possessed both muscular and respiratory power in the highest degree. His meas- urements were : height, 5 feet 91 inches ; weight, 154 pounds ; chest, 41 inches; fore-arm, 13|- inches; upper-arm, 16 inches — taking in both biceps and triceps, the measurement was 17-|^ inches ; age 21. BOWING. 121 do very little with the long one. Therefore, I say there is no precise guide to govern the length of stroke. Row as naturally as possible, and you will row right. The stroke that can be rowed at the top of one's speed with the least exertion is the best. Hints to Moioers. Ro*ving is an art ; and when acquired — assisted by the organs of respiration and circulation, or what may be termed endurance — muscular power, instead of being the first, as many think, stands third. 1st, Art ; 2d, Endurance ; 3d, Strength. When a man presents himself for aquatic honors, his first duty is to see the necessity of being earnest in the work he is about to undertake. He should never under- rate 1^ opponent ; and his best endeavors must be put forth to bring himself into the very best possible physical condition that he is capable of achieving. One month at least should be taken for this purpose. No man ought to be permitted to make one of a crew unless his heart is in the work ; unless he is willing to practice and pay every requisite attention to condition. One over-confident or careless man may be the means of beating a whole crew. Training clears the man's body of all impurities, and puts his breathing organs in that state of perfection which is attainable by art. The first thing necessary is to take an exact view of the state of the body — whether it be fleshy or otherwise ; and it is also necessary to know something of the nature of the man — whether he be dull and heavy, or brisk and lively in his manner. If he ap- pears, dull, slow, and heavy, you must find out whether or not it is caused by over-work. If so, revive his spirits by giving him less work and more rest. As his strength and F 122 MANUAL OP PHYSICAL EXERCISES. sj>irits increase, let him exercise ; but not so that he feels weak after it. If the man be in good health when com- mencing the month's prejDaration or practice, the principal object will be to give him good substantial food, such as I have named, and as much exercise as. will keep his- wind good without overtasking him. About the twentieth day his strength and endurance should be tried. It is how- ever to be observed that he is not to be pressed Sit the top of his speed upon the first trial. This should be done five days before the race, and with training clothes ; this will make him row with more vigor when stripped for the race. If the man feels faint just before getting into the boat, a little sherry wine with the yolk of an egg in it may be given. It will be remembered that the two ex- tremes of fullness and fasting must be avoided ; the one damages the wind, and the other occasions faintnes# Aft- er dinner, which should be two hours before roAving, the men should lie down and not be disturbed until twenty minutes before starting, when the rubbing with alcohol should be performed, to be followed as soon as possible by the race. I have stated what should be eaten and drunk while undergoing a course of training. Of course it will be un- derstood that nothing not named in the diet or drink should be indulged in. Ales and liquors of every de- scription and tobacco must be avoided. I know there are many men who insist upon drinking ale when training ; but I firmly believe that if two crews were matched to row, both having the same amount of strength and skill, or all things else being equal, and put in training, the one doing the work with ale, the other as I have described, the victory would be with the temperate crew. This was illustrated in the summer of 1865 in our own waters. BOWING. 123 Speed of Racing-Boats in England, • The best time made on the Henley Course, from years 1853 lip to 1866. This course is 1 mile, 2 furlongs, 20 poles and is beyond all doubt the fairest course for comparisons of speed, there being little current at any time, and the. races always being rowed at slack water. The course from Putney to Mortlalce is greatly influenced by the state of the tide, and in all races the boats invariably rowing with it. min. sec. min. sec. Eight oars, 7 50|, about 1 mile in 5 50 Foui- " 8 47J, "1 " 6 30 Pair " 9 45, " j u 7 jq Single-Sculls Boat, 10 11^, " 1 » 7 25 Hoio to Test the Speed of a Boat. The speed of a boat can only be truly tested by changing crews — then trying them in rough and smooth water, with, against, and across tide. Rowing a boat a certain distance, and judging of her speed by the difference in time, is cer- tainly, in my opinion, no fair test. This opinion has been formed from over twenty-five years' practice. Take two boats, then select two crews ; place them, each man in his jDroper position ; let them row at the tojD of their speed, say one mile, and after fifteen minutes' rest, change boats. The distance in those trials should be not less than one- quarter of a mile, and not over one mile. Beyond the lat- ter distance you try the endurance of the men, and not the speed of the boat. I would recommend a half mile. By this means, you will find no difficulty in selecting from any number of boats the one having the greatest speed. By a test made in England in 1866, with an eight-oared race-boat, to ascertain the actual force or power it required to propel such a boat through- the water, it was found that 124 MANUAL OP PHYSICAL EXEBCISES. a constant force of 1 pounds gives a speed of three miles per hour. Admitting this to be the fact, it will follow that a power of 63 pounds would propel the same boat at the rate of nine miles per hour. This is near the average speed of our college races. In this trial, the whole of the available force was measured, whereas, in rowing, there is only one moment, and that is when the oar is at right angles to the keel of the boat, that the full force expended by the rower is all used in directly propelling the boat. It should be impressed upon the mind of all beginners that neither the commencement nor end of the stroke produce any thing like the same eifect, though both equally tax the strength of the rower. The first outriggef boat was built by Henry Clasper, of Newcastle, England, and was rowed at the regatta at Put- ney, on the 20th June, 1844. It was built of mahogany by Clasper himself, assisted by his wife. The model of this boat was beautiful, and it created quite a furore on the Thames when being tried. The dimensions were: 37 feet 6 inches length, 24 inches breadth, 12 inches depth. It weighed 145 pounds. The first boat of this class in this country was built by C. J, Thoms, of New York, It was rowed at the Boston Regatta, July 4th, 1855, Its dimen- sions were: 35 feet length, 27 inches breadth, 10^ inches depth. SAILING. 125 CHAPTER VI. SAILING. I FANCY it would be a very difficult task for any persoif to trace to its origin the art of sailing. The power of mind over matter might have given to some observant man the first notion of a sail. It would be impossible for a thought- ful man to stand in the rudest constructed vessel without perceiving that the wind exerted a p6wer upon him and his boat, and therefore the thought of a sail must have been coincident with the first launching of the simplest boat. The science of building, of rigging, and of sailing, however, has grown up gradually through a succession of ages, and has now reached a perfection of which the ancients had not the slightest idea. It is not my purpose to describe fully the difierent kinds of vessels, but to speak of those only that are used for pleasure, and manned principally by amateurs. To those gentlemen who have a taste for and an mterest in this pleasant amusement, I wish to set forth a few simple rules, which I believe will aid them in the knowledge of sailing or handling a sail-boat or yacht with more pleasure and safety. Sailing a Yacht. The practical sailing of a yacht is somewhat of an art. First look to the trim of your boat ; then at the set and 126 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. trim of the sails ; and next, and most important, at good and close steering. The number of hands to work the sails will dej)end upon the tonnage of the boat, and the number of sails. Two men can easily manage a small model yacht or sail-boat, pro- vided the wind is not blowing too heavily — one steering, the other attending to the jib-sheet. But the general cus- tom in regattas and match races is to have one man for every five tons ; but for pleasure expeditions, you may Take as many as the yacht can comfortably accommodate. In preparing to get a schooner yacht under way, the first thing is to see that every thing is in readiness. First cast loose the gaskets from the mainsail, and hoist the same, taking great care first that the peak is well up to its place, then giving *a strong pull on the throat-halliards. This sail should set as flat and as smooth as jjossible. Next set the foresail, and when this is pro23erly up, trim aft the sheets; place the man or men at the jib-halliards ; cast off from the moorings, run up your jib, and you are under way. Beating to Windward. This is sailing against or sharj) on the wmd. First trim your sheets well aft, and fill away, either on the starboard or port .tack. A vessel is on the starboard tack when the wind is blowing on the starboard side, which is then called the weather side, and the opposite one is the lee side — and the reverse.. In sailing close to the wind, great care must be taken not to sail too close, but always to keep the can- vas full. A skillful boatman, or one who knows how to handle a sail-boat or yacht, will watch every variation of the wind, and meet it either by lufiing or keeping off. If the Vessel is sailmg too near the wind, it may be known by SAILING. 127 the sails shivering. In prejDaring to tack, or go-about, see that the sails all draw, and you have good- Avay. If the boat is quick in stays, there will not be the slightest trouble ; but if she is slow, you must begin in time, or per- haps you will find yourself ashore. When every thing is ready, put the helm gradually down, and let fly the jib-sheet. If the boat hangs head to wind, haul over the main-boom to windward ; flatten the fore-sheet. When she fills away, trim the sails so that they all draw alike, so that the vessel will steer with as little griping as possible. Wearing or Jibing. This is one of the most difiicult manoeuvres in sailing, but one which is often done in matches and regattas to save time and distance. If the wind is blowmg heavy, great care must be taken that every thing is clear, and all persons are out of the way of the boom as it swings over. I have seen men swept overboard by the sailing-master being careless or ignorant in making this movement. The boom is liable to be sprung or broken. To avoid these accidents, see that the main-sheet is all clear for run- ning; put every one upon his guard by announcing what you are about to do ; then keep her off", and the instant the mainsail has traversed to the other side, change your helm to the reverse, and meet her. This will prevent the broaching-to which v/ould otherwise occur with j)arties sailing for pleasure. I would advise the peak to be dropped when making this movement ; then there is little or no danger. /Sailing J3efore the Wind. A vessel running " free," or before the wind, is often very 128 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. difficult to steer, but this can sometimes be remedied by a sliglit alteration in the trim of the sails. If a vessel is sail- ing dead before the wind, should she be schooner-rigged, the foresail and mainsail may be placed in opposite direc- tions, or what is termed " wing-and-wing." Should it not be a boomed foresail, a spar can be used for that purpose. Some large yachts and all pilot-boats use what are called lug foresails. This admits of more canvas, and the sail, as a general thing, sets better. Vessels Passing Each Other. Care must always be taken to observe the rules of sail- ing when meeting with another vessel. Whichever boat is running " free," or with sheets started, must make or give way for the one " close-hauled ;" for a boat close- hauled on the wind can not conveniently alter her course. But when running free, there is very little trouble to sheer either to the right or left. This is now the general rule ; and it is founded in justice and convenience to all. LooTi Out for Squalls. If there is any indication of a squall — which may be known by the heavy dark clouds, and seen iij)on the water by an experienced eye from the ri23ple it makes and its black appearance — keep the boat roped full, so that when the squall strikes her, you will have way enough to luff up and shake it out of her. Should it prove too heavy, if this will not do, and she is unable to stand it, let fly the jib and fore-sheets. If you think the wind will continue, reef the mainsail, but look out that you have sufficient room for leeway. While closing the first set taut the topj^ing-lift, lower the peak and throat, hook the reef-tackle to the earing ; tie the reef-points either for the first, second, or SAILING. 129 third reef, as necessity may require ; after wMch clap on the halliards, hoist away, and the mainsail is again set. Now give her a little of the jib, or all if she can stand it, and away you go. I would advise gentlemen who are owners of yachts never to undertake the management of them without at least one competent and experienced man on board. From such a person he will learn more by practical demonstration * than any description that can possibly be given ujDon paper. All that ever can be given in such cases is the theory ; the more complicated details must be obtained from experienced boatmen. Managing a Boat hy Sails alone, loithout Rudder. This requires some practice, which will give confidence. It is well for gentlemen sailing for pleasure to know how to perform and handle a boat under all and every circum- stance. It often haj)pens that the rudder gets out of or- der, especially where the river is narrow and the water shoal. In such a case, what are you to do unless you can work your boat ? There is no alternative but to anchor or go upon the shore. Now these can be avoided if you have a little knowledge of how to manage the boat with- out the rudder. In 1848 there was quite a discussion upon this question among amateur yachtsmen and others ; and in order to demonstrate the thing beyond all doubt, the managers of the American Institute, holding their fair in that year at the Castle Garden in New York, gave a regatta open or free for all boats to enter with one sail, and to be managed or worked without rudder, oar, or any thing except the sail and movement of the body. For the prizes ofiered, seven boats started. The course was from Castle Garden around Ellis or Gibbet Island, and return. Here the cur- 130 MANUAL OP PHYSICAL EXERCISES. rent runs from one and a half to three knots an hour ; hut notwithstanding this, the boats made the distance in good time, and were handled to the satisfaction of all present. A boat with only one sail can be managed by one per- son. A jib and mainsail boat should have at least two persons, each one holding the sheet of the sail to which he is assigned. If you are on the wind, keej) the jib wrapt full, and the luff of the main-sail just slightly shivering. By watching closely, and holding the jib and main-sheet in your hand to haul in or slack off, as occasion requii'es, you may sail for hours witfe the greatest pleasure. ' When you want to come about, or tack, let go the jib-sheet, and . at the same time flatten down the main-sheet. If the boat hangs in the eyes of the wind, shove hard the main- boom to windward. Sailing before the wind, without a rudder or any thing to guide the boat except the sails, is no easy task. This is managed by dropping the peak of the mainsail, keeping the jib-sheet well aft to prevent her from broaching-to. I advise all who are fond of sailing to ^sractice this. It is not necessary that they should unship the rudder, but just fasten it amidships, and then work the boat. Cautions. j (1.) Coil up all ropes, and have a place for every thing and every thing in its place. (2.) Be careful when jibing or tacking that the boom does not knock you overboard. (3.) Never leave any thing in the gangway, and keej) the decks clear. (4.) Keep a good lookout ahead, and also look out for squalls, which may generally be observed to windward by the appearance of dark heavy clouds. SAILING. 131 (5.) Stand clear of ropes and blocks flying about, when you are tacking and the sails are shaking. (6.) Always promptly obey the orders of the sailing- master. (7.) When the boat is on the wind, sit on the Aveather side, and try if possible to keep the boat on her bottom. All boats, if the lines are true, will sail faster on their bottom than on their bilge or side. (8.) Keej) all the standing riggmg in good order and taut. (9.) Should the boat capsize, crawl to the windward, and be careful to keejo clear and not get entangled in the rigging. A gentleman who is about to engage in yachting, should always have his eyes open to what is going on, and be ever ready to lend assistance with the greatest prompt- itude. Quickness and agility are the first characteristics of a good yachtsman. The casting-oif or "belaying" a rope quickly is often attended with the most important consequences, in which the losing or saving of life may be concerned. We therefore advise all who are ambitious of becoming proficient yachtsmen to be quick in their evolu- tions, and steady m all their actions. Nautical Terms. Avast. — An order to stop. Ahach. — The situation of the sails when the wind presses their surface against the mast. Amidships. — The middle of the vessel. Abaft. — Toward the stern. Abreast. — Alongside of, or opposite to. Athwart, or Thwart Hawse. — Across. Bearings. — The widest part of the vessel below the water line; the direction of any object according to the points of the compass. Belay. — Make fast. 132 MANUAL OP PHYSICAL EXEECISES. Bend on. — To make a sail fast to the yard, or bend, or a rope. Cleat. — Pieces of wood or iron on which ropes are belayed. Cat-head. — Large piece of wood over the bow, having sheaves within it, by which the anchor is hoisted or lowered. Combings. — Eaised wood-work around the hatchways, to prevent the water going down the hold. Davits. — Pieces of wood or rods of iron, with sheaves or blocks at the ends, projecting over a vessel's side or stern to hoist boats up to. Dravxjht. — The depth of water which a vessel requires to float her. Fathom. — Six feet. Flat. — The jib, jib-boom, fore or main-sheet is said to be "hauled flat" when it is hauled down close. Fore and Aft. — Lengthwise the vessel. Foul Anchor. — When the cable has a turn around the fluke. Gaskets. — Pieces of rope or strips of canvas used to fasten the sail to the yard when it is furled. Jury-mast. — A temporary mast rigged in the place of a lost one. Log. — A journal of the proceedings of a vessel ; also a line with a triangular piece of wood called the "log," which is cast overboard to as- certain the ship's rate of sailing. Scud. — To sweep along before the gale with no sail, or only enough to keep the boat from broaching-to ; also low, thin clouds flying swiftly before the wind. KECOKD OP EOWING MATCHES AND KEGATl'AS. 133 CHAPTER Vn. RECORD OF ROWING MATCHES AND REGATTAS. I GIVE in this chapter a carefully prepared record of all the notable rowing matches and regattas which have come off in the United States ; noting the names of the contest- ants, the description of the match, and the time of the Avinners, Dec. 9, 1824. — Four Oars. — The Avierican Star, built by Cham- bers, and rowed by the Whitehall Watermen, gained a victoiy over the Dart, a British boat belonging to the English frigate Huron, Capt. Har- ris. The Dart had rowed eight races, never having Ueen beaten. The challenge came from the officers of the frigate, and was accepted by Major Howard, on the part of the Whitehall boys, to row a five mile race for one thousand dollars a side. Tlie day was pleasant, but the air was keen and cold. At 12.40 the signal was given for the start, and the booming of a cannon from the British frigate gave the fifty thousand people present notice that the boats were off, and the struggle had com- menced. At the start the Star took the lead ; the Dart shortly came up and lapped her ; on which the Whitehall boys, applied a little more power to their oars, forced their boat ahead, and maintained the advan- tage the whole distance, coming to the stake-boat between three and four hundred yards in advance of her competitor. Both stake-boats had the American and British flags flying, and when the Star came in, the crew of the British launch gave her three hearty cheers, and struck their flag. The distance was rowed in twenty-two minutes. The boats started from the vicinity of the frigate, which lay in the stream a short distance from the Battery, and rowed around a boat stationed off the old North Battery. It is reported that not less than fifty thousand peo- ple assembled to witness the race. The judges upon this occasion were, for the American Star, Major Howard, Capt. Henry Robinson, and .134 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. Eichard Sadlier ; on the part of the British boat, Mr. Henry Barclay and two lieutenants of the Hussars. A dinner was subsequently given by prominent citizens of New York to Capt. Harris and his officers ; and during their stay they weve feted in every possible manner. The White- hall boatmen made every effort to purchase the boat Amei-ican Star, that they might present her to Capt. Harris, but her owner, Mr. Chambers, refused to part with her on any terms. Failing in their object, they, through James H. Aymor, Esq. , informed Capt. Harris of their regrets, to which he responded in suitable terms. The frigate put to sea on the 15th December, 1824. Juli/ 21, 1835. — Six Oars. — Match^- TFawe against the Eagle, both, boats having picked crews of professional oarsmen from Whitehall. The Wave won with great ease, the winning crew being the lightest, but having the most science. Sept. 19, 1835. — Six Oaks. — The first regatta of the New York Am- ateur Boat Club Association took place from Castle Garden, Comnvo- dore Ridgely, John A. Stevens, and others acting as judges. The race was won by the Wave, six oars. No time taken. Sept. 19, 1836. — Six Oaks. — The second celebration or annual re- gatta took place, sorting from the same place, the Wave being again vic- torious. In this race nine six-oared boats started. July 18, 1837.— Two Oars. — Match — Pioneer, of Whitehall, and Forget-me-not. Won by the former. The race was five miles, and took place from Castle Garden. No time taken. July 19, 1837. — Two Oars. — Match — Glide against ILady Washington, the former winning. Rowed by William and Henry Roberts. Aug. 4, 1837. — Four Oaks. — Brooklyn agsanst Red Rover. Won by the former. » Aug. 13, 1837. — Regatta at Poughkeepsie. Ei-ie, Gondola, Sylph, of New York ; Robt. Bache, Brooklyn ; Washington, Poughkeepsie ; Bache- lor, Pishkill Landing. Won by the Washington. Same Bay. — Four Oars. — Brooklyn, Elm, Whitehall ; America. Won by the Brooklyn. The betting before the start was three to one on the America. At the conclusion of this race the ladies invited the vic- tors to a banquet, when they presented each one with a wreath of laurel, in which roses and flowers were entwined. Sept. 25, 1837.— Six Oars.— Third regatta of the New York Ama- teur Boat Club Association. Won by the Wave. It was estimated that at least ten thousand people witnessed this race. EECOKD OF ROWING MATCHES AND EEGATTAS. 135 Sept. 26, 1837. — Six Oars. — Match — Disowned against Geo. Wash- ington, oi'Pou^\]s.QQ'ps\e, ion $2,000. Won by the former. Seven miles; 40 minutes, 3 seconds. June 1, 1838. — Six Oaks. — Match — Wizsard-Skiff&g&imt Kosciusko; five miles. Won by the former in 28 minutes, 40 seconds. June 11, 1838. — Foun Oars. — Match — Whitehall against Passaic. Won by the former. June 29, 1838. — Appeared a challenge in the St. John's Chronicle, from a crew at that place to the Whitehallers, to come there and row them for $1,000. Jidij 11, 1838. — Six OARS.^Eegatta : Clod-hopper, Edwin Forrest, Osceola. Won by the first. Sept. 10, 1838.— Four Oars.— Match for $2,000—5. Shamhurgh against Independence ; from Robins's Reef to Castle Garden. Won hj the former. Time, 26 minutes. June 2, 1839. — Four Oars. — Match for $2,000 — B. Shamhurgh against Shakspeare ; from Robins's Reef to Castle Garden. Won by the latter. Time, 31 minutes, 48 seconds. There was perhaps more excitemejit about this race than any that had ever taken place in this country, and the result was looked upon with surprise and suspicion. The same crew in the same boat had rowed the distance against the Independence in 26 minutes, and now she was beaten in 31 minutes, 48 seconds. June 10,1839. — Six Oars. -^Regatta at Newburg — Wave, Gazelle, and Ariel, of New York, amateur oarsmen ; Edwin Forrest, Danl. D. Tompkins, and Spark, of New'York, professional oarsmen ; Corsair, Gal- atea, and Scylla, Newburg Clubs; Washington, Poughkeepsie ; Lafitte, Cold Spring. The Corsair won the race ; but as she was rowed by a picked crew, composed of the Ludlows and others, which was against the rules, she was ruled out of the race, and judged not to be entitled to any prize. Duane won the foui'-oared race at the same regatta. Juli/ 18, 1839. — Six Oars. — Seven thousand people witnessed a re- gatta on the Schuylkill. Vigilant won the race. Aug. 1, 1839. — Four Oars. — Match — Duane against S. S. Willis; six miles ; 45 minutes, 20 seconds. Won by the former. Oct. 1, 1839. — Six Oars. — Match — Ann, of PeekskiD, against Wave, of Nev/ York. Won by the former. The glory and pride of the ama- teur oarsmen of the city of New York this day departed. Over fifteen thousand people witnessed the race, and many of the ladies were seen to depart with tears in their eyes. It was the first defeat the Wave had 136 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. ever met. But the great mass of the people thought very highly of the Highland crew ; the ladies in particular : and why should they not ? for next to brains, beautiful women always admire muscle, sinew, and en- durance. Upon the same evening another match was made between the two boats, each party reserving the right to place whom they pleased at the oars. The crew of the Wave being under the impression that amateur oarsmen could not contend successfully against professionals, permitted the Whitehallei's to take their boat (which they had done once before in the match with the Eagle), and row to see what they could do with those hardy Highlanders. The match was for one thousand dollars a side, to be rowed from Castle Garden around Bedlow's Island, and return. New York was redeemed, the Wave winning handsomely after a well contested race. Oct. 3, 1840. — Single Sculls. — Yankee Doodle, of New York, against Isaac MartUng, of Peekskill ; from Eobins's Eeef to Castle Garden. Won by the former. Juli/ 14, 1841, — Six Oars. — Kegatta at Newburg. Eagk and Spark, of New York ; New Jersey, of New Jersey ; Galatea and Scylla, of New- burg ; Washington, of Poughkeepsie ; Ann, of Peekskill ; Duchess, of Hyde Park. Duchess won ; Spark second. This race was rowed in heats, the rules being that only the first two boats could contend in the second ; Duchess Avinning also the second heat and first prize. Same Day. — Pour Oars. — Nine boats started for the four-oared race. These were the Thomas Jefferson, J. C. Stevens, Tempest, Duane, and Atlantic, of New York ; the Gondola and lone, of Newburg ; the Ann, of Peekskill ; the Virago, of New Paltz. The Jefferson won the first prize ; the Duane the second. Aug. 31, 1842. — Six Oars. — Eegatta at Newburg. In the six-oared race the New Jersey, of New Jersey, won. Time, 20 minutes, 35 seconds ; distance said to be three miles. Same Day. — Pour Oars. — 1\iQWashington, of New York, won. Time, 23 minutes, 19 seconds. Same Day. — Two Pair Sculls. — The Crolius, of New York, won. Time, 28 minutes, 42 seconds. Oct. 18, 1842. — Pour Oars. — Geo. Washington against Geo. W. Chap- man. Prom Castle Garden around Bedlow's Island. "Won by the Chap- man. Time said to be 27 minutes. Sept. 29, 1843. — Single Sculls. — Match — S. Roberts against S. Dor- EECOED OF ROWING MATCHES AND REGATTAS. 137 Ion. Won by Roberts. Time, 37 minutes. Distance supposed to be five miles. These gentlemen rowed three races, Dorlon winning the first, and Roberts the two last. Sept. 22, 1845. — Four Oaks. — Regatta from Elysian Fields, Hoboken. Thomas Jefferson won. Same Day. — Two Paik of Sculls. — Battery Pet won, beating four others. Oct. 17, 1846. — Four Oars. — Regatta from Castle Garden. Gen. Taylor won. Time, 31 minutes, 30 seconds. July 20, 1847. — Single Sculls. — The great match between R. S. Martin, of Whitehall, and Charles Thomas, of Pier 1, North River. Won by the latter. The race was from Castle Garden around Robins's Reef Light, and return. The race was started by the judges in one of the most terrific thunder-storms ever known in the harbor of New York ; the consequence was that Martin's boat swamped, and he was obliged to drift alongside of a vessel. Tliomas's boat, by good management, weathered the storm, went over the course, and won the race. Sejjt. 13, 1847. — Singlk Sculls. — Match between S.Roberts and R. S. Martin ; ten miles. Won by Roberts. Time, 1 hour, 20 minutes. From Jersey City around Robins's Reef, and return. Aug. 12, 1850. — Four Oars. — From the Elysian Fields, Hoboken. Washinyton against Thomas Jefferson. Won by the latter. Time, 27 minutes. Said to be five miles. The Jefferson at this time was called by the club that owned her the " Pride of the Hudson." Oct. 5, 1850. — Single Sculls. — From Castle Garden, around Ellis Island. James Lee against Charles Thomas. Won by Lee. Time not taken. July 4, 1 855 — Four Oars. — Boston Regatta ; four-oared race. Won by the New York boat, J. D. B.. Putman. July 5, 1855. — On Charles River, Boston. — The first match between the New York and St. John's crews. The boats were the J. D. R. Put- man of New York, and Neptune of St. John's. The match was won by the fetter. The Putman cai'ried a cockswain weighing 135 pounds, the St. John men rowing without cockswain or rudder. Oct. 17, 1855. — Four Oars. — First regatta of the Empire City Re- gatta Club. Won by the Lady Putman. Time, 36 minutes ^ second. Distance, five miles. Single Sculls Champion Race, in working boats, won by Thomas Burns. Time, 42 minutes, 15 seconds. June 23, 1856. — ^FouR Oars. — Regatta of the Empire City Regatta 138 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXEECISBS. Club. Five miles. "Won by the Wm. H. Tarhoss. Time, 34 minutes, 34 seconds. Oct. 29, 1857. — Four Oars. — Match on Harlem Elver, New York. Robert H. Allair against Experiment. This was the closest race ever rowed in Arnerica ; the judges being unable to agree as to which boat was the winner, both parties consented to a draw. July 15, 1858. — Single Sculls. — Match — Lynch against Daw. From Fort Washington, North Eiver. Won by Daw. Sept. 17, 1858. — Four Oars. — Empire City Kegatta, Harlem Biver. Won by George J. Brown. Time, 34 minutes, 42 seconds. July 26, 1859. — Six Oars. — College Eegatta, Worcester, Mass. Harvard the victor, over Yale and Brown. Three miles in 19 minutes, 18 seconds. July 27, 1859. — Six Oars. — Worcester City Eegatta, the Yale and Harvard boats only starting. Won by Yale. Three miles in 19 min- utes, 14 seconds. Sept. 8, 1859. — ^Four Oars. — Albany Eegatta ; three miles. Won by the Stranger of Poughkeepsie. Time, 20 minutes, 1 1 seconds. Sept. 12, 1859. — ^FouR Oars. — Match on Harlem Eiver; five miles. Dan. Bryant against George J. Broivn. Bryant wins. Time, 34 min- utes, 40 seconds. In consequence of a complaint of fouling being made to the judges by the crew of the Brown, the money was drawn. Oct. 24, 1859. — Single Sculls. — At Boston Eegatta. Won by Joshua Ward. Three miles. Time, 23 minutes, 16 seconds. July 4, 1860. — Four Oars. — New York Eegatta at Castle Garden. Won by Unexpected. . Single Sculls. — Same day and j^lace. Joshua Ward won the first prize for single sculls. July 19, 1860. — Four Oars. — Staten Island Eegatta. Won by the Poughkeepsie boat, Stranger. July 24, 1860. — Six Oaes. — College Eegatta, Worcester, Mass. Harvard against Yale. Harvard the victor. Three miles in 18 minutes, 53 seconds. July 24, I860.— Six Oars.— Worcester City Eegatta. Won b^ the Gersh Banker. Three miles. * Time, 18 minutes, 37 seconds. The writer is authorized by the Eegatta Committee of Worcester, to state that the distance was not fully three miles, from the fact that in the winter of '64 the course was correctly measured upon the ice, and the stake for the years '64-5 was considerably above that of 1860. Sept. 5, 1860. — Six Oars. — ^At Poughkeepsie. James McKay against EECOED OF KOWING MATCHES AND KEGATTAS. 139 Gersh Banker. Won by the McKay. Tive miles. Time, 32 minutes, 40 seconds. Champion Belt Race, at Staten Island ; single sculls, five miles. Won by Ward. Time, 35 minutes, 10 seconds. It must have been a short five miles. Sejyt. 10, 1860. — Empire CityKegatta. GuUcJc won the six-oar prize ; time, 37 minutes, 7 seconds. George J. Brown won the four-oar prize. The Champion Sculls' prize was won by P. Lynch ; time, 40 minutes, 12 seconds. Nov. 22, 1860. — Single Sculls. — Match from Jersey City. Andrew Eay against William H. Decker. Won by Fay. Time, 25 minutes, 30 seconds. July 4, 1861. — Pour Oaes., — At the Boston Eegatta. Stranger won. Three miles ; 20 minutes, 7 seconds. Sept. 16, 1861. — Four Oars. — Empire City Eegatta. George J. Brown won. Five miles. Time, 36 minutes, 38 seconds. Jvly 4, 1862. — Four Oars. — At Boston Eegatta. George J. Broion won. Three miles ; 21 minutes, 1| seconds. July 4, 1862. — Single Sculls.— Boston Eegatta. James Hamill won. Two miles in 16 minutes, 15J seconds. Aug. 13, 1862. — Match at Philadelphia for the championship of the United States, between James Hamill of Pittsburg, and Joshua Ward of New York. They Avere matched to row two races, the first to be three miles, which was won by Hamill in 22 minutes, 27 seconds ; the second (Aug. 14), five miles, which was also won by Hamill in 37 min- utes, 39 seconds. June 20, 1863. — Four Oars. — At Boston. George J. Brown of New York won. Three miles in 19 minutes, 50 seconds. *S'a))?e Day. — Two Pair of Sculls. — Hamill and D. Leary won the first prize. Two miles in 15 minutes, 33 seconds. Same Day. — Single Sculls. — Hamill won the first prize. Two miles ; 18 minutes, 5 seconds. July 4. 1863. — Six Oars. — Boston Eegatta. P. L. Tucker won the first prize. Three miles ; 20 minutes, 8 seconds. Same Day. — Four Oars. — George B. McClellan won the first prize. Three miles ; 20 minutes, 29| seconds. July 4, 1863. — Two Pair of Sculls. — At Boston. James Hamill and D. Leary won first prize. The match was for two miles. Time, 15 minutes, 5 seconds. 140 MANUAL OP PHYSICAL EXEECISES. July 4, 1863. — Single Sculls. — At Boston. James Hamill won. Two miles, in 16 minutes, 40 seconds. Julij 23, 1863. — Single Sculls. — At Ponghkeepsie. James Hamill against Joshua Ward. Won by Ward. Five miles; 42 minutes, 29 seconds. • Sept. 28, 1863. — Single Sculls. — At Poughkeepsie. James Hamill against Joshua Ward. Five miles. Won by Hamill; 38 minutes, 15 seconds. July 4, 1864. — Six Oaes. — Boston Eegatta. P. i. Tucker, of New York, the victor. Three miles ; 22 minutes, 4 seconds. July 19, 1864. — Single Sculls. — At Pittsburg. James Hamill against Joshua Ward. Five miles. Won by Hamill. Time, 40 min- utes, 46 seconds. July 29, 1864. — College Eegatta, Worcester, Mass. Yale against Harvard. Three miles. Won by Yale. Time, 19 minutes. Aiig. 17, 1864. — Four Oaes. — At Poughkeepsie ; match. George J. Brown of New York, against Twilight of Pittsburg. Five miles. Won by the Brown. Time, 33 minutes, 30 seconds. Aug. 18, 1864. — Four Oaes. — ^At Poughkeepsie. Match between Stranger and TiuiUght. Stranger won. Five miles ; 35 minutes, 30 seconds. Sept. 20, 1864. — Single Sculls. — At Poughkeepsie. Joshua Ward against William Stevens. Ward won. Five miles • 38 minutes, 13 seconds. July 4, 1865. — Single Sculls. — Boston Regatta. Hamill the win- ner. Two miles, in 16 minutes, 28i seconds. July 4, 1865 — Four Oaes. — Boston Eegatta. Won by the Samuel Collyer of New York. Six miles ; 43 minutes, 32 seconds. July 18, 1865. — Four Oaks. — Match — Samuel Collyer of New York, against Floyd T. Fields of Poughkeepsie. Won by the former. Time, 37 minutes, 10 seconds. Jidy 28, 1865. — College Eegatta, Worcester, Mass. Yale against Harvard. Three miles. Won by Yale. Time, 17 minutes, 42|- seconds. There is great doubt as to whether this time was actually made. But the time-keeper — a gentleman selected for his experience in sporting matters, and who paid the strictest attention to timing this race — announced at its termination to the reporters and all present as above. July 29, 1865. — Single Sculls. — At Worcester, Mass. Won by Joshua Ward. Two miles, in 15 minutes, 15 seconds. EECOED OF ROWING MATCHES AKD KEGATTAS. 141 Sept. 25, 1865. — FourOaes. — At Sing Sing. Match between i2o6e?-< Earl and New York. Five miles. Won by the_ former. Time, 33 min- utes, 5 seconds. Sept. 30, 1865. — Four Oars. — At Pittsburg, Penn. New York against Friendsldp. The latter the winner. Five miles in 32 minutes, 26 seconds. This is the best time on record. 14:2 MANUAL OP PHYSICAL EXERCISES. CHAPTER VIII. EULES POP EEGATTAS. The following rules and regulations are offered as a guide for Regattas and Matches in Boating in tlie .United States. I am not aware that there are any established rules to govern this healthy pastime in this country. I deem it just as essential that some law should be recog- nized by those who take an interest in this amusement, as well as by others who love the horse or the yacht. Some there are who delight in witnessing a boat race, and others fancy the speed of a horse ; but, after all, are they not both ruled and guided by the same power ? Upon the turf the rules are so plain, yet so emjohatic, that there is little room for dispute after a race. But heretofore this has not been the case in boating, and the principal cfiuse I believe is in not having rules that would, to a certain extent, govern all interested. My object will be to make them applicable to all kinds of aquatic sports, and to bear alike upon all those who take part m them. I have been induced to offer these from seeing the great progress in aquatic sports of all kinds. In our harbors, bays, and rivers, it has been so increased within the last few years that it is really encouraging to the friends of reform. Where we formerly had one yacht or boat-club in New York, we have now a dozen, and the people in all parts of the States seem to be following the metrojsolitan ex- ample. This should be entered into by the young, and en- KULES FOR KEGATTAS. 143 couraged by the old. There is no one exercise more manly, and more likely to promote the physical and mental health, than rowing ; and when to this exercise is added the ex- citement of a regatta or match, we have the highest order of sport. If the boating era should continue ten years, the next generation will relieve Americans from the odium of the charge of physical decline which has been charged agauist us by European waiters, and with much more truth than many of us care to admit. It only needs a little out- door exercise in summer, such as boating, base ball, and cricket, and in winter, gymnastics, to bring lip the physical stamina of young America. The stock is good; the trouble is in the rearing, traming, and feeding. HJntries. Rule 1. — All entries for any regatta should be made by a member of the crew or club that is about to take part, and should be done at least three days previous to the day of race. Every such entry shall give name and length of boat, the full name of each oarsman, and also de- scribe the color of dress to be worn in the race. If the name of the boat be changed, the fact should be stated to one of the managers of the re- gatta or committee. Change in any one of the Crew. EuLB 2. — Should, upon the day of race, a change be made in any one or more of the crews, it will be for the judges to say whether such boat or boats shall contend for the prize ; and in case they are unable to agree, the matter should be referred to the referee, if one has been se- lected, whose decision shall be final. Whatever the decision may be, it shall be the duty of the judges to announce it, so that all about con- tending may understand. Stipulation as to Length of Soat. EuLE 3. — If there is any stipulated length named for boats, it shall be the duty of the judges to see, before the race is started, that no boat en- tered and about to start exceeds the number of feet and inches thus named. If any accident should happen to boat or oarsman when pre- 144 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. paring or getting in line to start, the judges may grant time not exceed- ing twenty minutes, to repair, if possible, any such damage ; but they are to be the sole judges of whether such accident was unavoidable, or was caused from carelessness, for the purpose of delaying the race. Starting. Rule 4. — The boats shall be started in a regatta by one of the judges, to be appointed for that express purpose. He should be a man with some experience in such matters. In all match races the referee should start the boats. He is the man selected and accepted by both sfdes for his knowledge of boating and his impartiality to all concerned. The start in all races should be made by the report of a pistol, or what I consider much better, if it can be obtained, a drum. Erom this a false start will seldom if ever occur. False Starts. Rule 5. — ^When a false start is made, caused by the failure of the pis- tol to make a report, or any of the crews attempt to start before the pistol is fired or the drum tapped, it shall be the duty of the starter to order all to take their positions again in line, and so remain until the proper signal for the start is given. Any infringement of this rule shall deprive the crew or crews violating it of any prize or honor in the race. Positions in Line of Starting. Rule 6. — The boat winning the choice of position shall take that which the crew may think advantageous ; number two the second best position ; number three next, and so on. . The boat drawing number one, or the first choice in starting, constitutes her to the inside position in rounding the stake or stake-boat, provided she gets there level and in her proper place with the others. It will be the duty of the judges at this point to watch closely the action of each crew upon making the turn, and report the same to the judges and referee, if one has been chosen. Foul Hoioing. Rule 7. — If a boat shall cross or touch another, accidentally or not, it shall be declared foul ; unless in crossing there is an open length of clear water, which will be considered sufficient distance as not to impede the speed of the boat being crossed. Although a leading boat is entitled to any part of the water the cockswain or crew may be pleased to take, .still if they cross first from one side and then to the other when a boat is EULES FOK KEGATTAS. 145 SO near that ia changing tlieir position they compel the boat behind to ease or slacken their stroke, or if they cause the cockswain or Long-Field On and Long -Field Off. — These two are sta- tioned opposite to each other, at different sides of the field. Sometimes their positions are varied a little. They should be capable of throwing the ball with precision to the wicket-keejDcr. The " long-field ofi\," it must be borne in mind, covers mid-wicket. Mid-Wicket. — His position is thirty feet from the bowl- er's wicket, off side, and slightly in advance. This is con- H* 1V8 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXBKCISES. sidered the most important position in the field. He fre- quently takes the place of the howler. Long-Stop. — Stands thirty-six feet hehind the wicket, and throws in the ball when it passes the wicket-keeper. This position should be filled by one who can throw strong- ly and accurately, and who is also quick and active upon the feet. Cover Point. — This position is between jDoint and mid- wicket, off side, a little to the rear, so that he can cover point. Leg. — He stands just behind the wicket, forty-five feet from it. He must back up all balls from the off side, no matter from what direction they may be thrown. Point. — Is placed twenty-one feet from the strik-er, on the off side. For this position is required one who is ex- tremely active and quick upon the feet, as he frequently is called upon to spring in the air in order to secure the ball. He should be also able to catch and hold well. Changes. — When the player bats with the left hand, the " long-slip" changes to " wide-fold," and " point" crosses over with " mid-wicket." There are other minor changes which can be quickly learned in practice. Powler. — It is the rule that no substitute from the field be allowed to bowl, keep wicket, play at point or middle- wicket, except by consent of both parties. What Puts the Batsman Out. 1. If the bails are knocked off by the ball, or the stumps struck off the ground — he is out. 2. If the ball, after being struck by the bat, be caught before it touches the ground — he is out. 3. If while striking, or at any other time while the ball is in play, he has both feet over the " popping-crease," and CRICKET. 179 his wicket is knocked down, unless his bat be grounded within it — he is out. 4. If while in the act of striking at the ball,- the bat, his clothes, or from any other cause that care on his part might have prevented, knocks down the wicket — he is out. .5. If he touches the ball while in play, except at the re- quest of the oj)posite party — he is out. 6. If he stops the ball with any part of his person, which the bowler, in the opinion of the umpire at the bowler's wicket, has bowled in a line with the wicket — he is out. 7. When a ball is caught " on the fly," or before touch- ing the ground, no run can be counted. 8. When the players have crossed each other, the one that runs :^r the wicket that is knocked down, is out. But if they have not crossed or passed each other, the one that has left the Avicket that is knocked down, is out. 9. When the batsman is run out, there is no run to be scored. IQ. When " lost ball" is called, the striker is entitled to six runs. But if more than that number has been made before " lost ball" is announced, then the striker is allowed all he can make. 11. When the ball is in the hands of the bowler or wicket-keeper, it is said to be " dead" or no longer in play ; and the batsman is not obliged to keep his position, until the umpire calls " Play !" 12. If the striker should feel ill or get hurt at play, he may retire from his wicket, and return to it again any time during that innings. 13. If the ball is struck up by the batsman, he may guard his wicket with the bat, or his body, but not his hand. 14. Should the striker hit the ball so that it strikes his 180 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXEKCISES. partner's wicket, he is "out" — provided that on its course it touches the hands of the howler or any of the fields- men, but not otherwise. The Wicket -Keeper. He should not take the ball until it has passed the wicket. He must stand at the proper distance behind, and be ready the instant the ball leaves the hand of the bowler. He shall not in any way excite or incommode the striker ; and if, by any excitement or imprudence, any part of his body gets before the wicket, and the ball strike it, the bats- man shall not be declared " out," from the fact that the wicket-keeper was not in his proper place. • Dress. This should be made of good Welsh flannel ; jacket and tro wsers made large enough to give the muscles free play ; a straw hat or light cap, with peak to protect the eyes from the glare of the sun ; leg-guards and body-guarcj^ for batting and wicket-keeping, with gloves; shoes with spiked soles ; these make up in full the cricketer's fit-out. General Instructions for beginners. JBatting. — Place the bat exactly opposite the middle stump of the wicket, keej)ing the left shoulder well for- ward. Practice the style of batting upward. Keep the handle inclined in the direction of the bowler. When balls come wide, cross the left leg over the right, and if quick enough, you can hit all such balls. But never step out of the place to strike if you can help it. The best balls to hit are those that come within the " pop ping-crease," and when you do strike, do" it properly and with vigor. The ball then will be sent so you can score. CRICKET. 181 Boiding. — The bowler should endeavor, as soon as pos- sible, to discover the weak jDoint of the striker, and play accordiagly against it. He should as far as lies in his power give fair balls, for this way of playing constitutes the gentleman. The most difficult balls for the batter are those bowled wide of the leg or off-stump. The Best Way to Defend the Wic/cet. — This consists princij^ally in blocking and striking. The general fault of beginners is that they hit at every ball, y.o matter how. wildly it is bowled. ISTow it requires practice, combined with good judgment, to know when to strike and when to block a ball. In blocking, hold the bat as described in hints on batting ; and in striking, be careful and not knock it up and give your opponents an opportunity to catch you out. JRuiining. — -When you have struck the ball, watch its direction with the eye and run as rapidly as possible. Be , careful and cautious throughout your play at the bat. Some players become so elated after making one or two successful runs that they become careless, and when they least expect it are bowled or stumped out. • Duties of Umpires. 1. The umpires are the sole judges of fair and unfair play, and all disputes must be decided by them, each at his own wicket. 2. They should stand from eighteen to twenty feet from the wicket. When a catch is made, which the umpire at the wicket can not see sufficiently to decide upon, he may apply to the other umpire, whose opinion is final. 3. Two minutes should be allowed for the batsman to come in, and fifteen between each innings. Should either party refuse to play after the umpires call "Play" — the 182 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. side so refiising shall be considered to liave lost the match. 4. When the bowler's foot is not behind the " bowling- crease," and within the " return-crease" at the time he de- livers the ball, the umpire must call " No ball !" and if the striker runs short, he must call "No run." 5. In running, if etther of the batsmen fails to ground his bat in hand, or some part of his person over the popping- crease," the umpire has the power to deduct two runs, be- cause such striker has not run the full distance. i '4. Hatiunnl §mm CHAPTER XII. Base Ball 185—202 J BASE BALL. 185 CHAPTER XII. BASE BALL. Every year brings witli it increased interest in the great national game of Base Ball. What cricket is to England, hase hall is to America. The popularity now enjoyed by the followers of athletfc games, which is happi- ly every day becoming more and more practiced and en- couraged, gives proof that we as a peoj^le are'destmed to be a stronger, hardier, and better formed body of men twenty years hence. Never before Avere thei'e so many young men devoted to out-door exercises. In the manly and invigorating game of base ball they can be numbered by tens of thousands. From this fact we may live in hopes of the better physical condition of our young men. Every college in the country has its ball clubs, and the students deserve credit for promoting and keeping alive a spirit that tends to foster health, enterprise, and endur- ance. The interest attached to this out-door amusement for the last few years has been very great : every day, from early spring until late in the autumn, it has attracted thousands of every age and of both sexes into the green fields either to see it played or to take part in it. It may well be called a National Game, for it has been played at the Capital of the country, and witnessed by the President and heads of the different departments. There have been as many as ten thousand persons of both sexes to witness some of the late matches. 186 jftANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXEECISES. There is no question but that in physique we are sur- passed by the British. We are deficient in those manly- sports and exercises which, while they strengthen the physical frame and animate the moral organization, confer at the same time vigor, grace, and elasticity on the whole being. The evanescent character of American beauty is the result of a want of out-door exercise. The American lady will tire in a walk of two miles, while an English lady of the same age will walk from three to eight miles before breakfast and think nothing of it. The consequence of this difference is that an English lady, at forty is in the prime of beauty and woltianhood, while an American lady of that age would almost consider herself, or be considered by others, in the days of Auld Lang Syne. I hope soon to see the day when our ladies will be counted by the thou- sands out upon the green fields with mallet in hand, play- ing croquet — or mounted on a fine horse and dashing through our beautiful park — or upon the water inhaling the pure, fresh air ; this will give a color to the cheek far superior to any cosmetic. Our young men too often neglect their physique. For- tunately, a better spirit is awakened among us. We are beginning to realize the truth of the old adage — " all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." The Game. It is necessary, in order to have every position filled, to have nine players, who are to occupy the following named places : 1. Catcher. 2. Pitcher. 3. Short Stop. 4. First Base. 6. Second Base. 6. Third Base. 7. Left Field. 8. Centre Field, 9. Right Field. The game is often played with more or less, but only for practice. All match or regular games have nine upon each side only. J BASE BALL. 187 Catcher. — The player iii this position is expected to catch and stop the ball either pitched or thrown to the home Tbase. He must endeavor to catch all " foul balls," and also be able to throw with accuracy and speed to the several bases. When a striker has made his first base, the position of the catcher should be close to the bat, so as to take the ball without a bound from the pitcher, and pass it quick to second base in order to cut off the player run- ning from first to second. He should also watch the oth- er bases — his position giving him the best opportunity. Pitcher. — The pitcher's position is on a direct line with home base, forty-five feet distant at the time the ball leaves his hand. Both feet must be on the ground. He vasssX pitch the ball, not Jer^ or throw it ; and he should be careful also to deliver the ball over or as near over the home base as possible, and at the height the striker de- sires. Section 5 of the Rules will guide the umpire in this respect. A " balk" will be declared if the pitcher moves his arm with the apparent purpose of pitching the ball and fails so to do. When a player is on the third base, he should follow the ball to near the home base, and be pre- pared there to take it from the catcher ; also to occupy the. deficient bases when the players of such positions have left them to field the ball. An even or uniform delivery is the first requisite for a first-class pitcher. The degree of speed is governed by the amount of twist given to the ball. Short Stop. — ^The position of short stop is a very impor- tant one, and is looked upon by many as being the second in importance. The one who fills it with honor to himself and his club must have judgment, activity, accuracy in throwing, and also be a good catcher and stopper. Now to find all these qualities combined in one person is rare. He must back up the pitcher and third base man, and 188 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. second and third when the ball is thrown from the field. He should always be near the pitcher or third base man when they attempt to take a foul fly; in case they miss, he may succeed in taking it on the bound. A short stop and first base player should practice throwing and catch- ing together. This will make them familiar with each other's play, and have its good results in match games. First dBase. — The one who plays in this position should stand some distance back, and from four to eight feet in- side of the foul-ball post line when the ball is struck, and if he finds it comes not in his direction, he should that mo- ment spring to his base and be in readiness, with one foot on or touching the base, to receive the ball from the one who has fielded it. The player, filling this position as it should be filled, must be a superior catcher, balls coming with great speed to the right, to the left, to the feet, and frequently over the head, and all looked for, to be held. None but an expert can be expected to come fully up to the requirements. Second J3ase. — This is certainly an important position, and requires an excellent player to fill it. He should be a sure catcher, an accurate and swift thrower, and a good fielder. He should stand back of the base, and either to the left or right of it, according to whether the striker hits from the right or left hand. He must back up the pitch- er, allowing no balls to pass if it can be prevented. When the striker reaches the first base, he should return and stand in a position to receive the ball from the catcher, and put out the one running by touching him with the ball. When the ball is badly thrown by the catcher, ev- ery efibrt should be made to stop it, and also promptly to return it to the pitcher. Third Base. — The third base requires its occupant to be BASE BALL. 189 in every resj^ect a first-class player. One of the most noted and universally acknowledged scientific players at base lljall in this country fills this position. Those playing bases must avoid obstructing them or the line of the same, when their opponents are running or making their bases. Left Field. — The first requirement for this position is to be capable of holding fly balls; the second to run well ; the third to throw with speed and at the same time accurately. Centre Field. — This position should be filled by an act- ive player, for he has not only to take fly balls, but he must also back up the second base, and assist m fielding balls that are passed by the left or right fielders. Right Field. — The player who fills this post has as a general thing less to do than any other one of the nine. Admitting this to be the fact, a good player should always occupy it, so that he might take the place of another in case of an accident. He should at least be one of skill and experience. The first pomt to be considered in selecting the ground is, that it be level and free from movmg sand or gravel. Sandy or gravelly bottoms often occasion falls, scrajDing or cutting the fingers or hands, etc., which are by no means agreeable or pleasant. Sod well rolled is perhaps the best for ball playing. The space should be at least five hundi-ed feet long by three hundred and fifty wide. The catcher's ground should be smooth and hard ; the pitcher's also. It is quite unnecessary that I should describe the man- ner of keeping game, as each club has its regular scorer. The history of the present style of playing Base Ball (which of late years has been much improved) was com- menced by the Knickerbocker Club in the year 1 845. There were two other clubs in the city that had an organization that date back as far as 1832, the members of one of which 190 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXEKCISES. mostly resided in the first ward, the lower part of the city, the other in the uj)per part of the city (9 th and 15 th wards). Ball Ground. Catcher. Umpire. ^ * Riglit Field. Left Field. Centre Field. Both of these clubs played in the old-fashioned way of throwing the ball and striking the runner, in order to put him out. To the Knickerbocker Club we are indebted for the present improved style of playing the game, and since BASE BALL. 191 their organization they have ever been foremost in altering or modifying the rules when in their judgment it would tend to make the game more scientific. Model of Score -Book. Base Ball Cluh. INNINGS. Plateks. Posi- tions. ■•:-:-w-;-i'- 8. 9. TOTAI, H.O. Total Runs. 1. [Name.] C. | 1 2. " P. 1 1 3. " s.s. 1 i. " IB. ! ! 1 i j 1 1 5. " 2B. 1 1 1 1 1 , ! 6. " 3B. 1 1 1 1 7. " L.F. 1 8. " C.F. 1 1 i 9. " E.F. 1 1 1 Total Euns in each In- nings 1 Grand Total . Passed Balls, Umpire, Date of Match, Where Played, Winning Club, Scorer, 77ie First Convention of base ball players was held in the city of New York, in May, 1857, from which sprang the National Association. At that date the following named clubs were organized : New YorJc: Knickerbocker, Gotham, Eagle, Empire, 192 MANUAL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES. Baltic, Harlem, Independent, Metropolitan, Champion, St. Nicliolas. Brooldyn : Excelsior, Star, Enterprise, Atlantic, Hamil- ton. 'Williamsburg : Putnam, Contin'cntal. Greenpoint : Eckford. Jamaica: Atlantic. Morrisania : Union. NewarJc: ISTewark. JSFew Brunswicli, : Liberty. The Tenth Annual Convention of the National Asso- ciation of Base Ball Players was held at Clinton Hall in the city of New York, on Wednesday evening, December 12th, 1866. Two hundred and twelve clubs were repre- sented. The following are the names of each club, and where located :* New York City. — Knickerbocker, Gotham, Eagle, Empire, Mutual, Active, Athlete, World, New York, Jefferson, M. M. Van Dyke, Endeav- or, Eclectic, Exercise, Fulton, Mystic, Sparta, Harlem, Social, Hope. New Yokk State. — Atlanta, Ti-emont ; Atlantic, Jamaica; Alert, Elinira ; Auburii, Auburn ; Binghamton, Binghamton ; Central City, Sy- racuse ; Cypress, East New York; Eagle, Flathush; Enterprise, Clif- ton ; Earnest, Riverhead ; Excelsior, Ehnira ; Hudson Eiver, Newhurg ; Hudson, Hudson; Hector, Elmira ; Idlewild, Cornwell ; Knickerbocker, Albany ; Lone Star, Mattewan; Liberty, Jamaica; Monitor, Goshen Meteor, Addison; Monticello, Monticello ; Monitor, Corning; National, Albany ; Niagara, Buffalo; Ontario, Oswego ; Pacific, New Utrecht; Palisade, Yonhers ; Surprise, West Farms; Sparkill, Piermont ; Union, Morrisania ; Union, Elmira ; Union, Lansingburgh ; Una, Mount Vei-- non; Undercliff, Cold Spring; Utica, Utica; Victory, Troy; West Point, Buttermilk Falls; Williamsport, Williamsport ;Wa,s\iV!igion, Port Chester ; Walkill, Middletoivn. Pennsylvania. — Athletic, Alert, Athenian, Alvin, Awkward, Arc- tic, Amateur, Armstrong, Bachelor, Commonwealth, Chestnut Street Theatre, Dirigo, Equity, First Ward, Germantown, Gymnast, Henry I BASE BALL. 193 Clay, Keystone, Kensington, Korndoffer, Leisure, Minerva, National, Olympic, Orion, Philadelphia, Ealeigh, Ritterhouse, Typographical, West Philadelphia, Philadelphia; Alert, Danville; Alleghany, Alleghany; Brandy wine, Westchester ; Excelsior, Coatsville ; Hiawatha, Kittanning ; Independent, Johnstown; Juniata, Hollidaysburgh ; Keystone, Hams- burgh; Kickerrepawling, Johnstown; Neptune, Easton; Rival, Provi- dence; Star, Altoona; Scranton, Scranton; Social, Huntingdon ; Tyrol- Ian, iZaj-nsW^'^ ; Union, Titusville ; JJiiity, Port Michmond ; Wild Cat, lii-ookville. New Jersey. — Americus, Newark; Active, Newark; Atlantic, Trenton; 'Buxlmgion, Burlington ; Bergen, Bergen ; Champion, Jersey City; Camden, Camden; Columbia, Bordentown; Eureka, Newark; Excelsior, Pater son; Friendship, Beverly; Irvington, Irvington; Kear- ney, Railway ; Monmouth, Hohoken ; Liberty, New Brunswick ; Nassau, Princeton; National, Je7-se^ City; 'SaX\oua\, Morristoion ; Newark, iVew- ark ; Olympic, Pater son; Palisade, Englewood; Princeton, Princeton; Randolph, Dover; Resolute, Elizabeth; Star, New Brunswick ; Sea Side, Long Branch ; Trenton, Trenton ; Union, Camden. Connecticut. — Alert, Hartford; Alert, South Norwalk ; Agallian, Middletown ; Bridgeport, Bridgeport ; Charter Oak, Hartford; Forest City, Middletown; Hockanum, North Manchester ; Howai'd, Hartford; Liberty, Norwalk; Monitor, Westport ; Monitor, Waterbury ; Marvin, Norwichtown; New Britain. New Britain; Oceanic, Mystic Bridge; Pequot, New London; Quinnipiack, New Haven; Pond Grove, Fair Haven ; Uncas, Norwich ; Waterbury, Waterbury ; Yale, New Haven. Various States. — Alert, Cumberland, Md. ; Antietam, Hagerstown, Md. ; Buckeye, Cincinnati, Ohio ; Burlington, Burlington, Vt. ; Cres- cent, St. Albans, Vt. ; Continental, Washington, D. C. ; Capitol, Wash- ington, D. C. ; Capitol, Columbus, Ohio ; Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio ; Diamond State, Cincinnati, Ohio ; Eon, Portland, Maine ; Enterprise, Baltimore, Md. ; Fort Scott, Fort Scott, Kansas ; Hunki Dori, Wheel- ing, Va. ; Interior, Washington, D. C. ; Jefferson, Washington, D. C. ; Lightfoot, Chattanooga, Tenn. ; Live Oak, Cincinnati, Ohio; Maryland, Baltimore, Md. ; Northwestern Association, Chicago, III. ; National, Washington, D. C. ; Olympic, Louisville, ICy. ; Olympic, Washington, D. C. ; Occidental, Gambler, Ohio ; Pastime, Baltimore, Md. ; Potomac, Washington, D. C. ; Pioneer, Portland, Oregon ; Union, Washington, D. C. ; Union, St. Louis, Mo. ; Union, Richmond, Va. ; Western, Bur- lington, Iowa; Wahkousa, Fort Dodge, Iowa. I 194 MANUAL or PHYSICAL EXEEGISES. Rules and Regulations adopted hy the National Asso- ciation OF Base Ball Players, held in New York, Z>6- cember\2th,l%Q