GYMNASTICS AND CALISTHENICS.

THE neglect of physical education has been a great practical error in our American system of education.

In the endeavor to secure intellectual culture in the most expeditious manner, due reference has not been had to the health, and physical ability of the young scholar; and, as a consequence of the neglect of proper exercise and physical training, the result has unquestionably been, disease, deformity, and premature death, in no small number of instances.

The body, no less than the mind, demands the enlightened care of all guardians and teachers of youth: both require their appropriate discipline, that health, beauty, and grace, may be found coincident with mental improvement, refinement, and taste.

How seldom is all this realized as the result of our present systematic education of youth? How often is this so called education arrested or frustrated by physical infirmities, the legitimate consequences of a violation of the laws of nature, and of neglect of the requisite means for the preservation of the health of the body?

A distinguished English physician affirms that "deficiency of exercise in the open air may be considered as the parent of one-half of female disorders-the pallid complexions, the languid movements, the torpid secretions, flaccid muscles, and disordered functions, and consumption itself," he adds, "attest the truth of this assertion." An American writer, also, speaking of our physical deterioration, says, "We have violated law upon law until we stand amid ruins."

It is certain that women suffer more than men from defective physical training; and inasmuch as the usages of society impose certain restraints upon their free activity in public, it is evident that the evil effects of inactivity will not be obviated, unless special means are employed, under the direction of teachers and parents, to improve and perfect the powers and development of the body, as well as of the mind.

In addition, then, to exercise especially walking-in the open air, together with free expansion of the lungs, and use of the vocal organs, there is nothing that presents so many advantages to the young female as a well devised system of Calisthenics, or exercises having for their end "beauty and strength." By calling into action the various muscles of the body, these exercises are adapted to obviate muscular weakness, and consequent deformity, and to produce an erect and symmetrical figure, as well as ease and grace of manner. Their influence extends also to the nervous system, and to the circulation of the blood, affording a healthful hue to the skin, and a general improvement in all the functions of life.

It may be proper in this connection to allude to the subject of Gymnastics, or exercises for young men, since it is not to be denied that they also suffer too close confinement to study or business, and neglect of free and sufficient activity of body. The great defect of ordinary exercise, undertaken for the promotion of health, is that it lacks an object, and consequently fails of its end; but in gymnastics there is much to excite the mind as well as to employ the bodily powers. These exercises may, with proper care, be resorted to for almost any kind of muscular weakness, while they are also adapted to obviate stiff and awkward habits, contracted by confinement and study.

We conclude these brief and general remarks with another quotation from one of the first English physicians : "Those who can engage in any of the lighter gymnastic exercises should be urged to it by every kind of persuasion, especially in the cool seasons of the year. There are means within the reach of almost all, and the advantages to be derived from such a system are incalculable."— Dr. Johnson's Economy of Health, p. 184.

GYMNASTICS take their origin from the athletic games of ancient Greece. During the best periods of her history, all the youth were regularly trained to these exercises, as a branch of education. In every town, there was a gymnasium or school, supported at the public charge, and furnished with. baths, courts, race grounds, and every other convenience. To these seminaries, the youth repaired at a very early period; for we find that even in the great games at which all Greece appeared, boys of twelve years of age obtained prizes. Gymnastics were likewise numbered among the celebrated Olympic games, which sustained and fed the desire of glory that animated all classes of the ancient Greeks.

In modern times, the Germans, Danes, and Swiss, have excelled in gymnastics. Under this general name, indeed, is included every vigorous exertion of the limbs, such as balancing, climbing, leaping, running, vaulting, and walking. The use of gymnastic exercises is to unfold and strengthen the muscular system, by teaching the proper means of employing it to the utmost possible advantage; and the great utility of such recreations will be doubted only by those who are not aware that the health of the body depends upon the full and just exercise of the different members of it. A modern and able writer on this subject, after pointing out the importance of physical exertion, says, that "Exercises, moreover, inspire confidence in difficult situations, and suggest resources in danger. This consequent influence on the moral conduct of a man is such that, by a confidence which is well founded, because it springs from a perfect knowledge of his own powers, he is often enabled to render the most important services to others." When practicing the exercises, it is extremely necessary to guard against performing any one of them in particular, to the exclusion of the others; as, by so doing, the muscles most called into action will become very much developed, while those not exercised will remain weak; and that symmetry and elegance of form which well regulated, activė exertion tends so much to improve, must consequently be destroyed. The movements should, therefore, be varied as much as possible; when it will be found that a few hours' practice daily, sometimes at one, sometimes at another kind of exercise, will be sufficient, both for the health of the youthful gymnast and the graceful display of his muscular system,

General Directions.

The best time for practicing gymnastic exercises is either early in the morning or in the cool of the evening; but never immediately after meals.

The pupils should not be permitted to carry knives, pegtops, or any other toys, in their pockets; neither ought they to be allowed, while warm after practicing, to lie down on the ground, continue without their jackets or coats, sit in a draught, drink cold water, or wash themselves with it; carelessness on these points frequently causing severe illness.

A master or usher should superintend the sports, to keep the pupils from attempting feats beyond such as their strength or practice will enable them to perform with ease and safety. It is a good plan to divide the pupils into classes, according to their size and strength; and they should be made proficient in one exercise before they are allowed to practice another.

The left hand and arm being generally somewhat weaker than the right, the former should be gradually exercised until both become equally strong.

In all gymnastic performances, the pupil should rather endeavor to strengthen the body by exercises taken with moderation, then to exhaust and weaken it by violent and unnecessary displays of force and agility.

The exercises should always be begun and finished gently; abrupt transitions being very dangerous.

Walking.

In walking, the head and body should be carried upright, yet perfectly free and easy, the breast projected, stomach held in, and the shoulders back; and the arms should be allowed to move with freedom by the sides. The knees should be straight, and the toes turned out, but not to an excess; for then they look equally as awkward and ungainly as when they are turned in. In the slow walk or march, the foot should be advanced, keeping the knee and instep straight, and the toe pointing downward; it should then be placed softly on the ground, without jerking the body; and this movement