270 MENTAL AND PHYSICAL EXERCISE. 



CALLISTHENICS. 



The regular and somewhat scientific gymnastics, for- 

 merly introduced into schools, under the title of Callis- 

 tJienic exercises, have, we believe, had their day, and 

 gone into general disuse. Possibly the novelty of this 

 method was its chief recommendation, though it is said 

 that some were injured by it, either from the unnatural 

 positions into which the limbs were thrown, or by the 

 violence of the motions. 



The great objection to this mode of exercise, howev- 

 er, we conceive arises, not from these causes, for the po- 

 sitions, as well as the violence of the motions could easi- 

 ly be regulated according to the condition, or strength of 

 the pupil, which certainly ought to be the case in every 

 exercise. The objection is founded on other grounds, 

 and the reason why this method does not prevail, is, that 

 it does not answer the purposes intended ; nor will any 

 other exercise, which has no motive connected with it, 

 and therefore does not interest the feelings, and excite 

 the brain. 



Mere positions, or mere muscular contractions, as we 

 have abundantly shown, are of very little use, especial- 

 ly to the young. During inclement weather, when the 

 pupils cannot employ the more exciting means of health 

 in the open air, throwing the hoop, or playing at battle- 

 door, may very properly be used as substitutes, and in 

 which some take considerable interest. But throwing 

 the limbs backwards and forwards, or up, and down, or 

 the use of the dumb bell, or any such sort of action, 

 without an object in view, other than that of employing 

 the muscles, ought never to be depended upon as a 

 means of preserving the health of students. (See more 

 on this subject at the end of the volume.) 



ARCHERY. 



One of the most proper, convenient, modest, grace- 

 ful, and healthful athletic recreations for females is, AR- 

 CHERY. Every female school establishment should 

 therefore have a piece of ground marked off, together 



