104 
lavater's 
the toes are fupported and prepared to make 3 , 
deep impreffion upon the ground. 
The angle, whofe end is at the heel, becomes 
more pointed j the knee projefts forward conhder- 
ably; the legs bend toward the thighs, which give 
way at the fame time that the body falls down- 
wards ; and the leaper’s perfon appears diminiOied, 
till he llretches himfelf out by a violent effort that 
makes his limbs get;- up behind together with his 
body. This recoil is favoured by the board or 
ground on which he as we fee in tumblers 
on a ftage. 
Our bodies are capable of greater movements 
than we generally ufe, and neceffity difcovers our 
powers by fharpening our appetites and invention. 
Daily examples prove, that maimed men have 
learnt to write and perform with their feet the 
duties of their loft hands. 
In the fame manner, from habit and pra6Hce, 
they not only balance themfelves upon the flighteft 
prop, but likewife execute fuch other feats as dif- 
play their addrefs, and are not unworthy of our 
meditation. 
ESSAY 
