of mechanics is one of those few which are indispensable to every one, from the peasant to the peer, either practically, in his actual employments, or theoretically, as an introduction to more extensive knowledge. What may not be expected from a nation, apt for invention from its penetrating mind and persevering spirit, when a theoretical and practical knowledge of mechanics, to which we are indebted for most of our inventions and manufactures, is generally diffused through all its members?

"We deem it, therefore, extremely beneficial, first to instruct the youth practically in the art of the cabinet-maker and turner, and thus to familiarize his hand to the mechanical use of tools; and as soon as this is accomplished, to lead him to the construction of machinery, combining the theory of mechanics with the practice, by employing him in making models of different machines, and at length prompting him to invent new ones himself."

In our opinion, gymnastics are imperfect if confined to exercises of equilibrium, riding, jumping, fencing, and dancing. In the term gymnastic should be comprised corporal education applied to all the wants of life; but before we proceed to lay down rules for the development of the muscles, we shall first study standing and walking, as the foundation of all gymnastics.

CHAP. XXIII.

Standing and Walking.

STANDING and walking are the foundation of gymnastics. Standing is that state in which man maintains his equilibrium vertically on the ground, supported by the legs and feet. In this apparent state of inactivity nealy all the muscles of the body are in action,

The head is placed on the summit of the spinal column, the vertebræ one above the other, the whole spine on the pelvis, the pelvis on the thighs, the femur on the legs, the legs on the feet, which bear the whole weight of the body.

"The splendid problem of the erectness of man," says Delpech, "has not been sufficiently studied;" at least it appears not to have excited that astonishment and admiration it calls for, and which Milton so well described.

A serpent drawing itself up, and resting on its extremity, is not more wonderful than the erect position of man. A complicated structure, with jointed parts, more or less inclined one on the other, supported by two moveable pillars, able to act rapidly, with the power of alternately supporting the weight of the body, must be considered as one of nature's most admirable works. An erect attitude necessitates the assistance of all the muscles, and their participation in this`

striking phenomenon so well known, and apparently so easy, must be more or less great, according to muscular strength or weakness.

"A body is tottering," says Arnott, "in proportion as it has great altitude and narrow bases; but it is the noble prerogative of man to be able to support his towering figure with great firmness on a very narrow base, and under constant change of attitude. This faculty is acquired slowly, on account of the difficulty; a child does well who walks at the age of ten or twelve months.

All the Chinese ladies have to acquire the talent of mutilated soldiers, who walk on two slender wooden legs. The Chinese are crippled by confining their feet for life, in such shoes as fitted them in infancy. Among children, the difficulty of standing depends on the reclining state of the pelvis forward, and principally on the weakness of the dorsal muscles, which cannot resist the weight of the head, and of the abdominal viscera, After a long disease, when a young patient has been confined to his bed, if the lumbar and dorsal muscles are weakened, he cannot stand without support.

If an erect attitude requires the use of nearly all the muscles, it is certain that walking calls the whole of them into action. The body continually leaning forward, alters the centre of gravity, and the equilibrium rests alternately and

at every step, on a different limb. In these movements the parts of the human frame, which are constructed the one on the other, bring the inferior muscles and the spine into action. The arms serving as a balance, and moving in a contrary direction to the corresponding legs, necessitate the contraction of the muscles of the shoulder, as well as those of the leg.

Thus, in walking, nearly all the muscles contract; going up any steep place, requiring a struggle against the laws of gravity, calls for more strength; owing to the continued position, the chest is fixed, the lungs expand with greater difficulty, and the respiration is slower; in ascending a hill, great warmth is always felt at the knees. In descending, the body is thrown backward, and the effort consists in maintaining it, for it is naturally inclined to follow the laws of gravity; this effort causes much fatigue, whilst it appears so easy. The lower part of the body being thrown forward, the superior part is thrown back, and the vertebral muscles support the fatigue. The rope-dancer usually carries a long pole in his hand, to balance himself; it is loaded at each end, and when he inclines, he throws it a little towards the opposite side in order to maintain the equilibrium.

The man who carries a load on his back, leans forward; if he bears it between his arms, he hangs backward; he always leans on the oppo

site side of a weight. Some fat people have the shoulders and the head thrown backward, like the pregnant mother, and the dropsical patient.

The nature of the ground either favours the action of the muscles, or opposes resistance to them. The softness of the earth or grass increases the effort of walking; the motion of a vessel at sea, causes continual contractions of the muscles. In order to make the centre of gravity fall on the basis of support, sailors extend this basis as much as possible, and it is easy to distinguish them, when on land, by their gait.

Whether standing or walking, females are less sure of their equilibrium than men; their toes are more turned out, which may be considered more elegant, but is by no means firm. Slow walking is best adapted for females, and has most influence on the functions. Military marches are neither suited to their constitution, their figure, nor to the delicacy of their movements.

Running is not pleasing in women; a celebrated author observed, "that women only ran in order to be pursued and caught." Little girls oftener fall down than boys, when they run together. The butterfly chase is well suited to children: the inconstancy of the butterfly is emblematic of the inconstancy of youth: while the insect rests on the flowers, the child advances slowly, without noise, and there is a short truce between the two adversaries. The gymnastic position should