is strongly mortised into these two upright posts, which are firmly fixed into the ground, so as not to shake about, and it is so high, that you are obliged to make a slight spring to reach it. Of course, when there are a great number of you, there should be three or four poles in a line, at various heights to accommodate different classes. Although it appears small, it will bear my weight, and therefore, boys, I am sure it will bear yours, that is, if there is only one or two on it at a time.

I dare say you are anxious to begin, and tired of my preface; but I have not quite finished it. However, I have only to request, when you and your companions are exercising on the pole, in my absence, that one of the cleverest and strongest be chosen as a leader, whose duty it must be carefully to watch the progress of every action, and be ready, in an instant, to catch the gymnast, should he make a slip.

The knowledge, that some one is upon the alert to assist instantly in case of accident, is of infinite service in all cases, especially in gymnastics, as it creates a confidence of mind that enables the tyro to put out all his energies, and direct them in the most efficient manner.

121. The first thing you have to do, is to learn to suspend your body by both hands on the pole. Observe me attentively, and you will perceive that my thumbs are on the same side of the pole as my fingers, not grasping it as you do a roll of paper-your arms straight in a

line with the body, so that the power may be more effectually applied to move the weight-keep your knees quite straight and stiff, and your feet close, unless you are told otherwise-just like this.

122. Now to try the muscles of your arms. Hang from the pole only by the right hand. Hold on if you can for half

a minute, then change to the left handsix times alternately. Two of you may perform this exercise at the same time, only keeping towards each end.

123. Hang from the pole at one end, as explained to you just now hands over the top and see if you can walk with them from one end to the other, and back again-take moderate strides, and slow-mind, knees straight.

124. Try this exercise again, only bring your hands under, and grasp the pole, so that the fingers may point towards your face-keep your thumbs too on the same side. This mode is generally found easier than the other; but you must practise both, for the power of grasping firmly is of infinite importance. 125. Ready, boys. Let one of you hang on the pole with your back to the post, and one hand on each side of the pole-now walk along it on your hands. to the other end-then backwards. form this at first with the knees a little bent, afterwards with the knees straight. You will find it best to draw yourself up a little with both hands, before you attempt to advance each step.

Per

126. See if you can discover any thing beyond the pole. Hands over the pole, as in the 121st exercise-draw yourself up gradually, till the head and chest are above the pole, as you see me-then slowly descend thus-three times running and you will find it quite enough. Two may perform this together.

147

127. This is easier. Hands under the pole, as I directed you in 123d exercise, and draw yourself up like thisbring your chest close to the pole-descend slowly-do this thrice. You will find, at first, that each time you rise you will find it more difficult; but after having gone through the whole of these exercises, and practised them well, you will be able to do this exercise a dozen times running.

128. Shoulder pole! What's that? Why only just to hang on the pole, as I told you in 125. Gradually draw yourself up till your right shoulder touches the pole in real earnest, like a rabbit or wild-duck merchant-now descend slowly, and rising again, let your left shoulder touch the pole-do this three times each way.

129. The idea of jumping along the pole on the hands has puzzled a great many who would not undergo the preliminary training. They have felt that their hands were held as fast to the pole as if they had seized the electro-magnetic ap

paratus at the exhibition gallery. You, my lads, who have gone through all this, have only to hang on one end, as in the walking exercise, 123, and by drawing yourself and your legs up a little way, make a spring along the pole-do this till you reach the other end, then go back whence you came. But I must tell you, that after a while you ought to manage this exercise with knees quite straightthe arms are to be benefited, not the legs, in this case.

130. Now try another jump or two, with the hands under the pole, and you will find it comparatively easy. I dare say, at first you will find it blister your hands, at least it did mine, and many others besides me—but never mind, gymnasts ought not to care for trifles.

131. Hang once more, and try to bring your legs into a horizontal position, as you did on the parallel bars, forming the letter L. Few can succeed who have not attempted on the bars, after this man

ner.

and after all cannot. But this is not all; they run the risk of straining the muscles by such violent exertion, and, what is worse, rather lose than gain strength by such means. If you cannot accomplish any particular exercise after a trial or two, let it alone, and try another; you will be sure to accomplish it by and by; I know that by experience.

133. Hang once more on one end of the pole, with your face towards the opposite post, and with a slight spring throw your right leg over the pole, suspending yourself firmly by the hands on each side -now release the right leg, at the same time throwing the left leg over the left side of the pole. Do this alternately six times.

132. Again suspend yourself on the pole, and bring your legs slowly up till the instep touches the pole, as you see here. Whenever I say slowly, I do it, because young gymnasts are apt to spring violently, in order to attain their object,

134. See now if you can turn yourself inside out. Bring your insteps up to the pole, as you did in 132-keep them firm against the pole, and let your body turn easily under the pole, and look me in the face, just so-then go back the way you came.

135. Another excellent extension of the back and loins. Fix your hands on each side of the pole, and slowly bring the legs up on the outside of the arms.

136. More work for the loins. Hands on one side-arms apart-and slowly bring up the legs between them; see me.

If you have practised the exercises on the Parallel Bars with spirit, you will find these last three on the Pole comparatively easy.

137. We come now to an exercise which requires a little care, but only a little, as you will have acquired a tolerably firm grasp, that is, if you have passed the Bar. Suspend yourself by both hands, on one side of the pole, and swing gently at first, as you will feel your hands inclined to slip; but you gain a firmer hold by degrees. Increase the height you can swing freely as I do.

till

138. If you feel confidence, boys, try, as you swing back, to spring up from the pole and come on the hands again as you are descending. Whoever is leader

should stand close by to break the fall, and to prevent coming on the face, should the young gymnast slip. I have however seen many a gymnast spring upwards of a foot from the pole, and always come down again upon it with the utmost certainty; such is the effect of confidence when strength increases.

139. This next really requires more tact than real strength, yet when both are combined, is easily accomplished. First throw your right leg over the pole, as I explained to you in the 133d exercisethen, with a spring, bring up the right elbow so (a)-lastly, by another spring, bring up the left elbow, and by degrees, both arms straight, so as to sit across the pole, thus (6).

(a)

(b)

140. You will now be able, I think, to perform this next little exercise; it requires quickness as well as strength. I should have told you, that the thumbs are always to be on the same side as the fingers, when not otherwise expressed; it is of the utmost consequence, for you will really gain power by so doing. Hands on each side, face towards the upright, and, with a slight spring, change the position of the hands-that is, if your right hand is next your face, bring the left next it-five or six times. Bending the