538 CALLOTECHNICS. 



ercises for ladies, was introduced in London ; but none of these 

 systems has met with general favor in our own country ; perhaps, 

 because the exercises have heretofore been too monotonous to pre- 

 serve their interest. 



Of sedentary amusements, or games, the invention of chess, is 

 claimed by the Chinese ; but, more probably, -belongs to Sissa, a 

 brahmin of Hindoostan ; and dates back to the fifth century of our 

 era. The object of this invention is said to have been to show the 

 king of the Indies how great was his dependence upon his officers 

 and men ; and thus to procure for them a milder treatment. Chess 

 was introduced into Europe by the Crusaders ; and has ever been 

 regarded as a scientific game, affording great exercise to the intellec- 

 tual powers. Dice are said to have been invented in Greece, by 

 Palamedes ; and they were also used by the Romans ; although the 

 use of them in Rome was prohibited by law. Cards also, were pro- 

 bably invented in the East ; and painted cards were made in Italy as 

 early as 1299 : but the manufacture of playing cards, by block print- 

 ing, originated in Germany, between the years 1350 and 1360. The 

 game of billiards originated in France ; but at what date, we are not 

 informed. 



Our few remarks on Argics, will be distributed under the heads of 

 Field and Water Sports ; Gymnastics and Calisthenics ; and Games 

 of Chance and Skill. 



1. Under the head of Field and Water Sports, we include those 

 active amusements which are enjoyed in the open air, and require 

 free space for their enjoyment. Such are riding, driving, rowing, 

 sailing, swimming, skating, running, bathing or playing ball, quoit- 

 ing, slinging, darting, archery, shooting, hunting, and fishing. Some 

 of these sports may also be practised in the Gymnasium, or hall pre- 

 pared for this purpose ; but they are all, we think, more appropriate 

 for the field or the water. Hiding, on horseback, is a healthy exer- 

 cise, generally practised in the open country, and especially serviceable 

 in the operations of war. The rider should sit steadily over the cen- 

 tre of motion of the horse, without pressing too hard upon the sides 

 of the saddle ; the feet being turned directly to the front, the toes 

 raised, the shoulders thrown back, the breast advanced, the elbows 

 kept near the sides, and the whole body balanced, and adjusted to the 

 motions of the horse. Both riding and driving, whether of several 

 horses, or only one, require a careful study of this noble animal, and 

 the means of managing him with ease and safety. 



Rowing, is also a healthy exercise, and very bracing to the arms 

 and chest. It requires a regulated motion of the hands, in order to 

 dip or raise the oar at the proper moment, and then to pull it horizon- 

 tally, or to carry it back without raising it too high above the water. 

 Sailing, is a more dangerous amusement, though not the less fasci- 

 nating, for that reason ; while it is enjoyed with so little effort. 

 Swimming, is a healthy and useful exercise ; by means of which 

 life is often rescued, though sometimes lost. The human body is 

 lighter than its own bulk of water ; and hence, by keeping the nos- 

 trils above water, no exertion is necessary merely to prevent submer- 

 sion and drowning. Skating, is perhaps a more exhilarating sport, 



