the muscles in the body may be exercised, commencing by the upper parts, and then the lower

ones.

Exercises of the Arms.

We have been called on to examine several exercises that we refrain from recommending, as they appear to us very improper, and prove total ignorance of the laws of the organization and the action of muscular exercises on the body. Instead of exercising the muscles, having the same action, in a manner consistent with their natural inclination, they are exercised in a contrary direction, as if the object was to destroy the ensemble and harmony of the organs.

Nearly all authors agree in attributing the deviation of the shoulders to want of proper attention to the mode in which the hands and, arms are used. The inferior limbs being destined to move one after the other, the conformation of the lower part of the body is purposely adapted to resist the power of this alternate action; but the hands were meant to move at the same time, notwithstanding the universal habit of making greater use of the right hand, for drawing, writing, and various other employments.

It appears desirable for young people in the normal state, to exercise the muscles in the same ́direction; as in early age deformity is soon produced, and extreme care is necessary to its prevention. The following exercises are much in use.

First Exercise.

The arms in their natural position, hanging down by the side, the thumbs turned outward; to be raised horizontally to the height of the shoulder, then gradually let down; by which movement all the muscles of the chest, the sternum, and sides are extended. This exercise may be varied in divers ways; bending the arms, for instance, and bringing back the hands to the top of the shoulders.

Second Exercise,

Consists in swinging the arms to and fro, either with the hands open or shut.

Third Exercise.

Raising the hands above the head. As this exercise sometimes causes pain, we place it thirdly.

Fourth Exercise.

The rotary motion of the arms forward, which may be compared to using a hand mill, from right to left, and left to right.

Fifth Exercise.

The same movements to be performed walking. Sixth Exercise.

To bend the body forward gently, so as to exercise the vertebral column.

We strongly recommend to young ladies, to bend the whole body in the different attitudes represented by those beautiful models found in all museums.

Exercises with Wands.

First Exercise.

Raising the wand above the head, stretching out both hands.

Second Exercise.

Bringing the wand down nearly to the shoulders.

Third Exercise.

Bringing the wand down behind, and walking in this attitude.

Exercises with the Alteræ or Dumb Bells.

The dumb bells were used in gymnastics among the ancients, and have been long in use in England These instruments may not only give flexibility to the muscles, but also strengthen them. Donald Walker says, that dumb bells should not weigh more than from three to four pounds each, for children from six to ten years of age; and from four to six pounds each for children from ten to fifteen years old; this classification does not suffice. Dumb bells ought never to be employed by weak children, nor by those in whom there are scrofulous predispositions; as in these circumstances, the weight of the body should not be increased. The same author has presented a new instrument, which may supersede the other, and which he calls the Indian sceptre.

We certainly prefer the Indian sceptre to dumb bells it might prove serviceable to boys; and

under the direction of a clever master, children could be taught from this sceptre, all the advantages to be derived from a lever; and young ladies can also learn to study the laws of equilibrium. These sceptres must not be too heavy; it may be useful for girls to be accustomed to carry different objects, in order to remove the fear they seem to have when they take up any thing brittle.

After passing through the exercises, walking, the Indian sceptre, and wand, they may proceed to the exercises of the portico; not the same as those practised by boys, but those of a more quiet nature, suited to the age and strength of the pupil. It is desirable for a lady to go up a wooden, and even a corded ladder; it is desirable that she should be able to make use of her hands, hold a rope, mount a horse; that she should pass, without fear, from one vessel to another, maintain her equilibrium in a small boat, crossing a narrow river; that she should walk steadily on a plank placed over a ditch; that she should swim. Well directed physical education should foresee the common accidents of life, and consequently shew in what manner they are to be avoided.

The gymnastics we recommend cannot be compared to those practised in Lacedemonia, where young girls wrestled in public, and swam across the Eurotas; neither are they similar to those of Clias. Parents have no cause to fear that

their children's muscles will be too much developed, as was the case with Calesthenic exercises; the disadvantages of which we have already pointed out in a previous chapter. In a gymnasium, directed by a medical man, it cannot be supposed that he will only observe one part of the human frame, and develop the muscular strength to the prejudice of the whole body. The contents of this work shew that, in our own practice, we have given special attention to preserve the beauty of the figure, and prevent awkwardness; for grace is one of woman's chief attractions.

We do not foresee the circumstances in which it may be necessary for a female to climb up a mast, and, therefore, we say nothing of these exercises for girls; our object being to prepare them for the numerous accidents of life, and not to adapt education to an exception.

Exercises on a Wooden Ladder.

However easy this sort of exercise may appear, it is, nevertheless, useful to lay down rules that may make it more certain. The feet should be placed on the broadest part of the steps, and the legs touching the perpendicular bars of the ladder, on which the hands should be placed, for then, supposing the horizontal bars were to reak, the hands could still support the body,