Fig. 1.

The engraving (Fig. 1,) illustrates

a movement where the arm is to be bent at the elbow, and which is called fore-arm flexion. The stretched arm

represents the commencing position.

The fore-arm bent at a right-angle with the upper, is one of the intermediate positions; and the fore-arm forming an acute-angle is the final position. When the fore-arm is to be stretched, the previous final position is the commencing position, and the previous commencing position is the final one, the intermediate positions remaining the same in both. The arm is drawn from above, in order to show more distinctly the three positions. We have been obliged to enter into these details, that the reader may the better understand the exercises which follow.

Fig. 2.

Fig. 3.

Fig. 4.

Fig. 5.

The free exercises are usually done only by healthy persons, and in a standing position. We will suppose that the feet are placed in the fundamental position- that is, at a right-angle to each other, (Fig. 2.) From this position originate a great variety of others, in which the feet are always at a right-angle to each other. One foot remains in its

original place, while the other is moved either sideways, forward, or backward. The length of the foot of the individual performing the exercise is chosen as a measure of distance at which the foot is to be placed from the other; in this way, we say, the foot at one, two, three, (or more,) distances-place. The diagram (Fig. 3,) shows the feet placed apart at one distance, Fig. 4 at two distances, and Fig. 5 at three distances.

When we place the right foot at one, two, three distances forward, we have the various positions marked, 1, 2, 3, in the sixth diagram. When we choose the close position, in which the feet are placed closely together in their whole length, (Fig. 7,) as our commencing position, then the placing of the feet apart in one, two or three distances, is quite different, as illustrated by Fig's 8, 9, and 10; and the placing of

because, if this is not taken into consideration, and two persons are to perform, for instance, the movement expressed by the word of command, feet apart in two distances-place!

the one who chooses Fig. 7 as his commencing position, will place his feet in the position Fig. 9; while the second, having chosen Fig. 2 as his commencing position, will be in the position of Fig. 4.

The Word of Command.

We have mentioned the word of command; this is the order given by the teacher, or person directing the movements, according to which all must move simultaneously. The word of command, or the order, consists of two parts-the first is the announcing, the second the execution order. The announcing order describes generally the limb which is to be moved, and the direction of the movement; the execution order describes shortly the mode of movement or action. In the command "feet apart in two distances — place!” the first five words are the announcing order, at which every individual prepares himself for action, but does not move till the word "place," the

Fig. 11.

execution order, is given, when the pupils instantly make the movement. In the order "right knee upward—bend!” the first three words are the announcing order, the word "bend," the execution. We advise our readers to place themselves in the various positions described, to keep the head and body upright, the arms either stretched downward, or placed on the hips, when "hips - hold!" is the command. By changing the feet at the order "foot forward— place!” you have twenty positions, which, if well executed, will increase the strength of the legs, and of some parts of the

spine; and this contributes to the better deportment of the body.

Having now a clear idea of the fundamental or rectangular position, (Fig. 2,) and the close position, (Fig. 7,) if you wish to change the rectangular into a close one, the command is "feetclose!" and the movement is done at first slowly, and in three motions, thus: The feet being placed heel to heel, with the toes at a rightangle, the toes are a little lifted from the ground, (first motion;) and then brought slowly inward, till the inner edges of the feet touch each other, (second motion;) and

finally, the toes again touch the ground, (third motion.) After some practice, these three motions are done so quickly as to form only one. At the order "feet-open," the same motions are done in the reverse order-viz., 1st, you raise the toes; 2d, the toes are brought outward to form the rightangle; and 3d, they again touch the ground.

The two movements are practiced as often as the order "feet-close!" or "feet - open!" is given. The position in which the body is when about to execute a certain movement, is the "commencing position;" and there is an infinite variety of such positions. When the feet are placed apart sideways, so that there is at least one distance between the feet, the position is called strido position, (Fig. 12.)

The walk position (Fig. 13,) is assumed by setting one foot forward, as if going to take a step—the dotted line in the figure shows the position of the leg when stretched.

Half standing position, (Fig. 14.) For this position, one foot is placed with the sole on the ground, while the other leg, perfectly stretched at the knee, is slightly

raised, and thrown a little forward, in such a way that it does not touch the floor.

Courtesy standing position, (Fig. 15.) The legs are kept together at the heels, the knees a little bent, and directed outward as far as possible, the legs forming, consequently, a regular rhombus.

Stretch standing position (Fig. 16,) has the arms parallel to each other, stretched vertically upward, with the palms directed toward each other. Compound commencing positions are formed of two, or several simple ones; as for instance: stretch stride position, in which the arms are in the stretched, (Fig. 16,) and the feet in the stride position, (Fig. 12.)

Fig. 16.