266 MENTAL AND PHYSICAL EXERCISE. 



CALLISTHENICS 



840. The regular and somewhat scientific gymnastics, 

 formerly introduced into schools, under the name of callis- 

 thenic 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. 



841. The great objection to this mode of exercisej how- 

 ever, we conceive arises not from these causes, for the 

 positions, as well as the violence of the motions, could 

 easily 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. 



842. 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 backward and forward, or up and down, or the use 

 of the dumb-bell, or any any such sort of action, without 

 any object in view, other than that of employing the mus- 

 cles, ought never to be depended upon as a means of pre- 

 serving the health of students. 



ARCHERY. 



843. One of the most proper, convenient, modest, 

 graceful, and healthful athletic recreations for females, is 

 ARCHERY. Every female school establishment should, 

 therefore, have a piece of ground marked off, together 



