THE SCIENCE OF HAPPINESS 



the punching-bag. The last-named contrivance is in 

 itself a fair substitute for a sparring partner; and it is 

 to be particularly commended to women. Indeed, the 

 punching-bag stands in a class quite by itself among 

 calisthenic contrivances, in its almost human respon- 

 siveness, and in the opportunity it affords for the de- 

 velopment of skill in its manipulation. 



Fencing makes for a somewhat one-sided develop- 

 ment, and in this regard at least it is not to be com- 

 pared with boxing or wrestling; but it has the merit of 

 being available for both sexes. The fencer develops 

 quickness of eye, and elasticity rather than strength 

 of muscle ; these being similar traits to those developed 

 by the boxer, and contrasting somewhat with the 

 relatively sluggish strength of the wrestler. A good 

 wrestler in action does not, indeed, suggest sluggishness 

 to the casual observer, but there is a qualitative dif- 

 ference between his muscular action and that of the 

 fencer or boxer. No man ever attained to actual 

 championship form both as wrestler and boxer, though 

 proficients in each "art" usually have some degree of 

 skill at the other. 



For the amateur in search of health, wrestling is, I 

 am disposed to think, the best single form of indoor 

 exercise. It was held in high esteem among the an- 

 cient Greeks, being one of the standard sports of their 

 so-called pentathlon (the other four being running, 

 jumping, discus-throwing, and hurling the javelin), 

 and it quickly commends itself to most moderns who 

 give it a trial under favorable conditions. An ideal 

 hour in the gymnasium may well be concluded with a 



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