/^^A^''- '^mmM.^. ,aAA/*\'> LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. ©^ap. : ... ©op^ttg]^ ^xx, Shell? ^^. ^3 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. '^AMa. " '"W^AWrv .innnA.M, aaaH'-ji '^ ;,^,'^ A r^ _ r. /*■.■ IAaaAaa m^^^iM&m, A,'^/:^ •.^(^Aas^A'ii^.'^'" 'aAaA fSA^r.^fif: An' 'f'^Ak^ WWf «A^fl.V, AAaAA.^^ MhhhkhN o. 1.] i illllWPlil & i SERIES OF OUTDOOR SPORTS. [10 Gents. ANDREW PECK & CO., PUBLISHERS. THE AMERICAN NEWS COMPANY, 119 iS; 121 Hassau St,, ^T. Y. ^^:^^9^'^ •■ ■ -^ f *:- ' .^ ■ > ^ 4¥li* We Jceep constantly on hand during the Skating Season, a full and complete assortment of SKATES for Ladies,^ SKATES for Gentlemen, SKAT^S^r Youths. ALSO, PARLOR SKATES, Skating; Caps, Jackets, G-loves, Shoes, &c. ALSO, SKATE STEAPS, SKATE SHARPENERS, AlSfD GIMLETS. Our Illustrated and I>escriptive J^rice List, eontainirtg illus- trations of about every style of Skates made, sefit free on ap- I plication, ANDREW PECK & CO., , 105 -Nassau St., N. T. THE SKATER'S MANUAL. /(A THE SKATER'S MANUAL; A COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE ART OF SKATING. REVISED EDITION, ILLUSTRATED. By EDWARD L. GILL, f^ NEW YORK SKATING -'^— '^ 'fc* .^- ((-^ U.S.A. ]] NEW YORK : "^•'' ANDREW PECK & CO., PUBLISHERS, 105 Nassau Street. 1867. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1867, by ANDREW PECK & CO., In the Clerk's Office of the Distria Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York. The New York Printing Company, 81, 83, and 85 Centre St., NEW YORK. THE SKATER'S MANUAL. THE ART OF SKATING. One of the foremost pleasures of the a6live and exhilarating kind is skating. Next to riding on horseback, there is nothing in the shape of exer- cise which gives such a fillip to the spirits and such a glow to the blood, as riding on a pair of skates. Skating is a positive luxury of diversion — a carni- val of fun and frolic — a jubilee of enjoyment ! What life, what elasticity, what gliding energy, what swift and airy motion, what gay, and free, and blithesome activity does it embody! A swift skater makes the nearest approach to flying which we denizens of this mundane sphere can achieve with our own organs of motion. Dancing has been called the poetry of motion, but the phrase belongs with far greater propriety to skating. Is there any waltz, polka, cotilHon, or quadrille half so graceful, airy, or picturesque as a 6 The Skaters Manual. company of skaters under full headway? Nay, may you not see every figure of the mazy dance repeated on the ice with far more beauty and added grace ? Fleetty glide the swift-winged Mercuries, graceful as swans, as rapid as birds of air cutting quick circles, or sweeping in long-drawn, graceful curves — now gliding across each other's track — now flying, now pursuing — now describing all the figures of geometry, save the angles — now darting down a long, straight line of skaters, and now meandering through a maze of spe6lators, and winding home again only to dart away afresh on a far-off eccentric orbit, "And find no end, in wandering mazes lost." What pastime for our heavy, dispirited, jejune belles and beaux, devoured with the inexpressible" emptiness and ennui of parlor life ? What a jocund, hilarious, blithsome sport, and what a sovereign cure for the blues, if you can only take it ! How the nimble exercise causes the cheek to glow and the blood to thrill, and every separate nerve in the frame to tingle ! How the eye bright- ens and dances, and the face of the gentle sex blooms with roses fresh and genuine out of Na- ture's own flower garden ! And then besides the exhilarating quality of the sport, what boundless fun to be derived from all the incidents, accidents, and contretemps which it The Skaters Manual. 7 draws in its train ! Watch the tender, half-timid, half-laughing experiments of the novices, those callow devotees of skating art. See them binding on their skates with the most cautious care, tight- ening their straps and trying the irons, and then essaying the oft-baffled attempt to rise and stand on the thin edge. Behold them at last fairly launched on their feet, uncertain what to do next, gingerly sliding one foot forward on the ice, as if fearful it would break under them ; watching with envious interest the daring, dashing, exultant throng of pra6lised skaters, and debating the propriety of venturing in- — " Letting I dare not, wait upon I would ; " until some good angel of courage comes to their re- lief, and they let go and plunge into the midst of things with a sublime recklessness and audacity which quite terrifies them to think of. And then, perhaps, some luckless beginner, not quite sure of his centre of gravity, and profoundly unskilled in the mysteries of balancing on curved irons, finds his heels mysteriously going up where his head should be ; or his skates become possessed of an unaccountable momentum, and fairly run away with him, while he, having lost all control of the " wild things," is dragged helplessly along in crouching dismay — a half-ludicrous, half-pitiable obje6l to behold. 8 The Skaters Manual, What with the tumbles of the awkward, the little frights of the timid, the shouts of merriment of the onlookers, and the frequent collisions of the care- less or the bungling, there is generally a pretty full chapter " Of moving accidents, by flood and field,'* especially if a tender spot in the ice rewards the daring of some too adventurous cutter of " pigeon wings " with a sudden and unexpe6led cold bath. And then the rough scenery of the ice-pond, with its frowning contrast to the bright and joyous hilarity of the amusement, and the pi6luresque cos- tumes of the skaters, affords another source of pleasure to the observant. How charmingly the brilliant, dashing foray of a piebald company of skaters, all in plaids and furs, and crimson or scar- let "balmorals," and "tucks," and flowing scarfs, and jaunty, bewitching little hats, and ruddy cheeks, contrast with the cold gray sky and white frosty aspe6l of the ice and shore ! How splendidly the graceful flourishes, and swift, vivacious movements, relieve the dead and' solemn stillness of the wintry air ! But what of the " art of skating " ? we hear the reader exclaim. What is it, and how is it acquired ? The art of skating gracefully, like a melodious voice or a graceful carriage, is incommunicable. If you have it in you, it will take but Httle pra6lice to de- The Skaters Manual. 9 velope it to perfe6lion ; but if not, no amount of pra6lice will serve to make an expert skater out of a stiff, or slow, or awkward person. To make the best skaters, they must be caught young and put at it early. Your mature and stiff-jointed people, unless of a very a6live temperament, can never make graceful, or showy, or rapid skaters. There are two or three hints, however, which are pertinent to the beginner. In the first place, you must indispensably get rid of all fear or trepida- tion, from the very start. Leave your nerves at home when you start for the ice-pond. Perfe6t fearlessness and confidence are essential to the poise and balance which make the prime requisite of success. You must treat the ice as if it was your native element, and more as though you were treading the adamantine rocks — not creep along gingerly as though you were stepping upon eggs. And when you are once fairly on your feet, never suffer the thought of the possibility of getting off them to enter your brain. If you think that you are going to fall, there are nine chances to one that you will fall. You must determine to succeed. If you catch yourself wavering, brace yourself with a strong movement and dash on, never dropping your head to look at your feet The skater who delib- erates is lost. The one thing needful for beginners, is confi- dence. The timid and the nervous should keep 10 The Skate fs Manual, carefully out of the skater's carnival. If you are naturally timorous and weak-kneed, bethink your- self of the awful experience of the amiable and awkward Mr. Winkle, in the '' Pickwick Papers," and keep off the ice. Or, if you should be so ven- turesome as to trust your nerves on the slippery ele- ment, you may lay your account of being toppled speedily over, and brought to a recumbent posture, with a stunning sensation more agreeable to the spe6tators than to the vi6lim. Never think of quitting until you have acquired a free, and confident, and fearless movement. You will be awkward and scrambling at first, but never give up or sit down in despair. In the lexicon of the skater, there's no such word as fail. Above all, never give a thought to those who are looking at you ; concentrate yourself upon your goal, which it is your sole business to reach, and never mind what anybody else says or does. And whatever you dOj don't try to be proper, or proud, or dignified. Those who expe6l to learn to skate, and preserve their dignity at the same time, had better never tie on the "rockers." No parlor etiquette can be maintained on the ice-pond. Whoso goes there must bid good-by to stateliness and formahty, and become one of the democracy of skaters. All are equal on the common level of the iron runnerss. There is no aristocracy there but the Lord of Mis- rule, and whoever can skate the swiftest, and the The Skaters Manual. ii most skilfully, is the best fellow. Throw dignity to the four winds, and go it with a perfe6l abandon^ \i you would taste the exhilarating, intoxicating draught of the blithe skater's jubilee. If you are so constituted that you cannot " let go," be content with tamer pleasures, but never attempt to achieve the ineffable delights of the daring, jocund, and fas- cinating diversion of skating. ANTIQUITY OF SKATING. Skating is mentioned in the " Edda," a book written eight hundred years ago, in which the good Uller is represented as distinguished by his beauty, arrows, and skates ; but when or where it origin- ated is wholly unknown. It is difficult to ascertain at what period it made its appearance in this coun- try. Id England, some traces are evident in the thirteenth century, when it was customary, in the winter, for the young citizens of London to fasten the leg-bones of animals under the soles of their shoes, by binding them round their ankles, and then, taking a pole shod with iron in their hands, to push themselves along by striking it against the ice, and we are told that *^ they moved with celerity equal to a bird flying through the air, or to an arrow from a cross-bow." The wooden skates, shod with iron 12 The Skaters Manual. or steel, which are bound about the feet and ankles, like the talares of the Greeks and Romans, were, most probably, introduced in England from the Low Countries, where, it is said, they originated. Fitzstephen mentions an odd pastime which for- merly used to be pra6tised. '^ Some make a seat of ice as large as a millstone, and having placed one of their companions upon it, they draw him along ; when it sometimes happens that, moving upon slip- pery places, they all fall down headlong." Instead of these seats of ice, sledges have since been substituted, which, being extended from a centre by means of a strong rope, those who are seated in them are moved round with great velocity, and form an extensive circle. Sledges of this kind were set upon the Thames in the time of a hard frost, at the commencement of the last century. Lady Montagu tells us that " the favorite diver- sion of the Germans, during the first months of winter, is sHding about in little machines fixed upon a sledge, called traineaux ; they are large enough to accommodate a lady and gentleman, are drawn with one horse, and move with prodigious swiftness. The lady, the horse, and the traineaux are all as fine as they can be made, and when there are many of them together, it is a very agreeable show." The Skater^ s Manual, 13 WHY YOUNG LADIES SHOULD LEARN TO SKATE. Young ladies should learn to skate, as it is just the exercise they want. It gives them strength, energy, and beauty, developing their forms and planting roses and carnations upon their cheeks. During the last season or two many ladies in this city and vicinity became accomplished skaters, and while realizing the poetry of motion, they no doubt lengthened their lease of life. The pra6lice of skating is peculiarly adapted to give our females that out-door recreation they so much need. It expands the chest, strengthens the hips, and invigorates the entire system. If young ladies would become good skaters, they would be much better fitted to become mothers of American children. Let the ladies betake themselves to skat- ing, and we shall doubtless see a more robust gen- eration of children growing up betimes. This is an important consideration. Weak and sickly women are not good mothers. If the children are born of puny mothers, the race degenerates, men- tally and physically. And as a sound body is needed for the performance of manual labor eifedively, so it is important to the proper development and exer- cise of the mental faculties. We sometimes see a powerful mind in a diseased body, but nobody will 14 ^-^^^ Skater's Manual, say that such a mind would not have been better off in a healthy and vigorous body. Whatever, then, will tend to render the mothers of future generations robust and healthy, will con- duce immensely to the well being of the human race. Let the girls prepare their skates and spread themselves, when the skating carnival begins, for they will not only do themselves good, but will en- hance the glory of the American eagle, the star- spangled banner, and all that sort of thing. There is not a prettier sight than a graceful young lady circling upon the ice, gliding fearless and free over the surface of the " glassy pool," growing stronger and handsomer every moment ; and what a charm- ing thing it is to behold a score or two of cherry- cheeked, healthy beauties — goddesses in crinoline, and mortals in plumptitudinous loveliness — gliding, whipling, and now and then sitting down, without exadlly intending it, on the slippery ice. SWIFTNESS IN SKATING. In some countries, swiftness upon the ice is more desired and sought after than elegance. In Fries- land, a country noted for its very rigorous winters, a regular race-course is formed upon the ice, and males and females join in the skating contest. It is The Skaters Manual, 15 a very common thing for the men to be most shame- fully beaten by the women in these races. The Frieslander, who is generally a skilful skater, often goes for a long time at the rate of fifteen miles an hour. In 1801, two young wpmen, going thirty miles in two hours, won the pftze in a skating race at Groningen. In 1821, a Lincolnshire man, for a wager of one hundred guineas, skated one mile within two seconds of three minutes. In Canada, swift skating is thought most of in conne6lion with the accomplishment. Blaine records an instance of an officer in the army skating from Montreal to Quebec, a distance of over one hundred and seventy miles, in one day ! When we consider that the ice on a river like the St. Lawrence is not quite, so smooth as the Central Park pond ice, it must be acknowledged that the feat was a difficult one, and required a little perseverance. Lincolnshire, in England, is noted for its fens, which in severe winters freeze over and form a splendid, wide, and glassy surface to glide over. Lincolnshire men are very often swift skaters, and an instance is recorded of one man having skated a mile in two minutes and fifty-eight seconds. As "two-forty" is not considered a bad pace for a trotting horse, surely two fifty-eight is a good gait for a biped, even if he be on runners. 1 6 The Skaters ManuaL SOLDIERS ON SKATES. At Drontheim, in Norway, they used to have a regiment of soldiers called the " Skate Runners." They wore long gaiters, for travelling in deep snow, and a green uniform. They carried a short sword, a rifle fastened by a broad strap passing over the shoulder, and a climbing staff seven feet long, with an iron pike at the end. They moved so fast in the snow that no cavalry or infantry could overtake them, and it did little good to fire cannon balls at them, as they went two or three hundred paces apart. They were very useful soldiers in following an enemy on a march. They could go over marshes, rivers, and lakes, at a great rate. When CharlesXII. was shot at Frederiskshall, a " Skate Runner " carried the news four hundred miles twelve hours sooner than a mail messenger, who went at the same time. There were then seven thousand Swedes laying siege to Drontheim. When the news came, they broke up their quarters and re- treated as fast as possible. They were obliged to go over the mountains, and the snow was deep and the weather exceedingly cold. Two hundred " Skate Runners " followed hard after them, and came up with them one very cold morning. But all the troops were dead, having been frozen in their tents, among the mountain snow drifts. They had burnt every The Skaters Manual, ly morsel of wood — even the stocks of their muskets- to warm themselves. EGGS-TRAORDINARY FEAT ON SKATES. All sorts of feats are performed on the ice, but none, we believe, can equal that executed by a skater on the Lake of Geronsart, near Namur, Bel- gium, who made a wager that he would skate for an hour, carrying a basket of eggs on his head, with- out breaking one of them. He accomphshed the feat in first-rate style, having, during the hour, written his name in elaborate charadlers on the ice, besides tracing an immense variety of complicated figures, and at last set down the basket and received his wager, amid the cheers of all present. It was a bet well laid, and ^^i*-traordinarily won. A FEW WORDS ABOUT SKATES. As it is with everything else, so it is with skates. One person no sooner invents something in con- ne6lion therewith, before another tries to improve upon it, and by these means the public ultimately gets a perfe6led article, if such a thing can be. As has before been stated, the earliest form of skate that is known consisted of bones attached to the soles and heels of boots. In Holland, however, a i8 The Skaters Manual, flat piece of wood, almost without any particular shape, shod with iron, and fastened to the foot care- lessly with strings or straps, was the first kind of the modern skate used. This was gradually im- proved upon until a definite shape was produced, somewhat resembling the sole of a boot, thus : The iron was gradually reduced in width, until it seemed as if the first used had been turned edge- ways. Some persons assert this occurred by acci- dent, the maker of the skate not understanding the way to put it flatly on the wooden sole ; but for the certainty of this statement we can find no written record. Whatever may have been its origin, the edgeway plate continues in use, as being the means of swifter motion. The following illustration will convey some idea of the old fashioned skate alluded to, fastened to the boot : The Skaters Manual, 19 IMPROVEMENTS IN SKATES. In the early mode of making skates, and even at the present time, a number of straps have been used as fastenings, crossing and recrossing the foot to such an extent as to cramp it and stop the free circulation of the blood. This has been found to be a great inconvenience, as the foot becomes chilled, and pain ensues. To remedy this, a broad flap of leather has been substituted for the forward straps, the flap passing across the upper part of the toes and the lower part of the instep, and buck- ling at the side of the foot. The heel screw of the ordinary skate seems to be a source of annoyance to many, therefore another invention has been in- troduced, fastening the skate to the heel by means af two clutches lined with spurs, which are tight- ened upon the sides of the heel of the boot, by means of a horizontal screw beneath, worked by a thumb-key, similar to that belonging to a clock. The brass sole is secured forward by means of a narrow adjustable brass strap across the toes, reg- ulated by a thumb-screw. This does not cramp the foot so much, but still it has a little efFe6l on the circulation, and tends to keep the foot cold. 20 The Skater^ s Manual, Some idea may be formed of the rapid increase of popular favor for skating, when we find that within a few, years the importation, manufacture, and sale of skates has led to the establishment of large stores for the sale of all kinds of this article, numbering not less than one hundred and fifty varieties and styles, in prices ranging from seventy-five cents to twenty-five dollars. Although there are so many different styles, nearly all are but modifications of the principal points we have men- tioned. HINTS TO BEGINNERS. An old old skater writes as follows : '* Will you allow me a ' brief space to say a few wo/ds as to the best mode of acquiring the art of skating ? They are the result of thirty years' experience, and may save much time to the many boys and girls who will, perhaps, make their first essays at this healthy pastime this winter. The whole story is comprised in a single canon, and I can speak with confidence that any one who will adhere to it stead- ily will be able to skate on the outside edge, for- wards and backwards, in a fortnight. It is simply to begin by walking on the ice, crossing the feet at each step, and they should pradlise it also who can only run forwards on the inside edge, if they wish The Skaters Manual, 21 to become proficient. Walk any ten paces forward, crossing one foot over the other at every step, and then walk the same line backwards, crossing the one foot behind the other at every pace. You will get a fall or two at first, but in a few lessons you will find you can do it without them. " As soon as this is accomphshed with moderate facility — still adhering to crossing the feet, which is the whole secret — let the foot follow the skate, and you will find that you are, insensibly as it were, rolling both backwards and forwards on the outside edge. It is a simple truth and a mechanical cer- tainty, as the leg once crossed, the skate on each foot can only rest on the outside edge, and the balance of the body in that position has been learned. " As a proof of the soundness of the theory, I may mention that I placed four sons, between the ages of nine and fifteen, on a pond about twenty feet square, one day last winter, giving them the above dire6lions, which they stri6lly followed. They soon got over the falhng period, and the three eldest are now strong skaters on the outside ^^g'^^ both forwards and backwards, and the young- est is not far behind them." 22 The Skaters Manual, GENERAL DIRECTIONS TO PERSONS LEARNING TO SKATE. Let your dress fit closely; but at the same time be of sufficient ease to insure freedom of motion. Neither skirts to coats nor full trousers should be worn. Let flannel be worn next the skin by the delicate, and an extra undergarment by the robust. Let the chest be well defended against the cold. A piece ^ of brown paper laid between the waistcoat and shirt is a cheap chest prote6lor, or use one of Andrew Peck & Co.'s improved chest prote6lors, which is worn next the skin. Be careful in venturing upon the ice, unless it be sufficiently strong to bear the weight of the number that flock to it ; and watch for the increase of num- bers, that you may retire before danger ensues. Avoid rough and very smooth ice, and look care- fully out for obstru6lions thereon, such as small twigs of trees, stones, or ^^ hobbles, " as well as for rotten ice, cracks where the ice has risen higher on one side than the other, or holes. Should you sud- denly come upon rotten ice, do not stop, but pass over it as rapidly as possible. Should you fall The Skater's Manual. 23 down upon it, roll lengthwise toward the firmer part, without attempting to stand or walk upon it. Should the skater fall into a hole, he should ex- tend his pole or stick across it, and hold on to it till assistance arrives ; should he have no stick, he may extend his arms horizontally across the edges of the ice, till a rope can be thrown to him. After an unlucky immersion in the water, the un- fortunate skater should immediately take off his skates, and, if able, run home as quickly as he can. He should then pull off all his wet clothes, take a tablespoonful of brandy in a glass of hot water, rub himself thoroughly with dry towels, and go to bed. ADVICE TO LEARNERS One of the most finished skaters in this country writes as follows to those about learning to skate : " Good skating consists in graceful movements, not in swiftness. Do not get into the habit of making violent exertions. When your skates are screwed in at the heel, and rightly fastened, your first lesson is simply to stand alone, without an effort to move, keeping the ankle stiff, and not allowing the foot to bend so that the boot shall touch the ice. Con- sider and study the position until you become ac- quainted with the new exertion that it calls forth in 24 The Skater's Ma7zual, the muscles of the leg and foot. Then begin to move one foot at a time, one inch at a time ; do not try two inches until you gain the power of one. By careful and gentle exertion, you will in a short time be able to move forward at a slow pace, pre- cisely in the manner of walking on the ground. There is really no necessity of falling, though one can rarely escape it altogether. The rule is to do up to what can be done without falling. These first movements must not be made thoughtlessly, but with dire6l attention to the progress. The learner who closely follows these dire6lions, will scarcely need any help from the time of being able to stand alone, and will improve much faster without it. We have seen a young lady make the distance of several hundred feet in the second half hour of her first lesson, without any help, and without falling. A cane held in both hands, as a rope-dancer hokls his balance-pole, seems to give learners a better power of control, probably because it prevents the hands being thrown out in unconscious jerks. From moving the feet diredlly forward, the next effort is to turn the toes of one foot a little outward, and to press the edge of the skate, so turned, later- ally against the ice. This will give a forward im- petus to the body. Then bring the feet near to- gether and pointing straight forward, and allow the impetus to slide you as far as it will. Then turn out the toe of the other foot in like manner, and The Skaters ManuaL 25 with another push, take another sHde. By looking at any particular skater on the ice, the manner of doing this will be perfe6lly plain to you." LEARN TO SKATE EARLY. The acquirement of most exercises may be ob- tained at an advanced period of life, but to become an expert skater, it is necessary to begin the prac- tice of the art at a very early age. Therefore, timid mothers, you should not obje6l to your children learning to skate, for fear they should break their *' precious heads and Hmbs." A few tumbles will help to make them keep their feet the better. Be- sides, a child has not so far to fall as a grown per- son ; therefore, if they should strike the head — which, by the way, is of rare occurrence — the force of the fall is not nearly so great as if it were that of a man six feet and over in height. In Holland, children not over five or six years of age are com- monly to be seen proficient in this art. GRACEFUL SKATERS. *^ Edinburgh," says a Scottish writer, '^ has pro- duced more instances of elegant skaters, than per- 26 The Skaters Manual. haps any other city or country." So much did the desire of becoming graceful skaters exist among the residents of Edinburgh, that as early, if not earlier, than the year 1780, a skating club was estabhshed in that city, which contributed much toward the improvement of those engaged in the study of this accomphshment RACING WITH THE LOCOMOTIVE. That our juveniles are anxious to shine in the celerity of their motions on the ice, may be gathered from the fa6l that every winter, when the skating on the ponds on either side of the Fourth avenue is in full blast, a large crowd will be gathered at one end of the pond, as soon as the whistle of the loco- motive is heard, to await the arrival of the "bull- gine," and when it gets side by side with the skaters, off they start to beat the cars before they can reach the other end of the pond. Of course the boys do not " beat the express," but there is no knowing what the perseverance of a New Yorker cannot accomplish ; therefore, swift as well as ele- gant skating may soon be the features of the Cen- tral Park Skatino; Pond. The Skaters MamiaL 2^ RULES FOR PLAIN AND FANCY SKATING. THE ORDINARY RUN, OR INSIDE EDGE FORWARD. The first attempt of the beginner is to walk, and this walk shortly becomes a sliding gait, done en- tirely on the inside edge of the skate. The first impulse is to be gained by pressing the inside edge of one skate against the ice, and ad- vancing with the opposite foot. To efFe6l this, the beginner must bring the feet nearly together, turn the left somewhat out, place the right a little in ad- vance and at right angles with it, lean forward with the right shoulder, and at the same time move the right foot outward, and press sharply, or strike the ice with the inside edge of the left skate, care be- ing taken instantly to throw the weight on the right foot. (Fig. I.) While thus in motion, the skater must bring up the left foot nearly to a level with the other, and may for the present proceed a short way on both feet. He must next place the left foot in advance in its turn, bring the left shoulder forward, inclining to 28 The Skaters Manual, that side, strike from the inside edge of the right skate, and proceed as before. Fig. I. Finally, this motion has only to be repeated on each foot alternately, gradually keeping the foot from which he struck longer oiF the ice, till he has gained sufficient command of himself to keep it off altogether, and is able to strike dire6lly from one to the other without at any time having them both on the ice together. Having pra6lised this till he has The Skaters Ma7ttiaL 29 gained some degree of firmness and power, and a command of his balance, he may proceed to THE FORWARD ROLL OR OUTSIDE EDGE. This is commonly reckoned the first step to figure skating, as, when it is once efie6led, the rest follows with ease. The impulse is gained in the same manner as for the ordinary run ; but, to get on the outside edge of the right foot, the moment that foot is in motion, the skater must advance the left shoulder, throw the right arm back, look over the right shoulder, and incline the whole person boldly and decisively on that side, keeping the left foot suspended behind. (Fig. 2.) As he proceeds he must bring the left foot past the inside of the right, with a slight jerk, which produces an opposing balance of the body ; the right foot must quickly press, first on the outside of the heel, then on the inside, or its toe ; the left foot must be placed down in front, before it is re- moved more than about eight or ten inches from the other foot ; and, by striking outside to the left, giving at the same moment a strong push with the inside of the right toe, the skater passes from right to left, inclining to the left side, in the same manner as he did to the n'o^ht. He then continues to change 30 The Skaters Manual. from left to right, and from right to left, in the same manner. At first he should not remain long upon one leg, nor scruple occasionally to put the other down to assist ; and throughout he must keep himself ere6l, leaning most on the heel. Fig. 2. DUTCH TRAVELLING ROLL. The Dutch travelling roil is the plan by which the Hollanders travel on the ice. Starting from The Skaters Manual. 31 the right foot, leaning to the outside, keep the knee straight, and, with the left foot behind the right, describe a half circle, or rather a part of one. When this is completed, bring the right into a similar po- sition, and, with the toe close to the ice, commence a similar stroke ; and then these successive strokes will describe a small segment of a very large circle, thus : Fig. 3. diverging from the straight line no more than is re- quisite to keep the skate on its edge. CROSS ROLL, OR FIGURE OF EIGHT. The cross roll, or figure 8, is also done on the outside edge forward. This is only the completion of the circle on the outside edge, and it is per- formed by crossing the legs, and striking from the outside instead of the inside edge. In order to do this, as the skater draws to the close of the stroke on his right leg, he must draw the left quite across it, which will cause him to press hard on the out- side of the right skate, from which he must imme- 32 The Skaters Manual. diately strike, at the same time throwing back the left arm, and looking over the left shoulder, to bring him well upon the outside of that skate. By com- pleting the circle in this manner on each leg, the eight is formed, each circle being small, complete, and well formed before the foot is changed. MERCURY FIGURE. The Mercury figure is merely the outside and in- side forward succeeding each other on the same leg alternately, by which a serpentine line is described. (Fig. 5.) The Skater's Manual. 33 This is skated with the force and rapidity gained by a run. When the run is complete,, and the skater on the outside edge, his person becomes Outside. Inside. Outside. Fig. 5. quiescent, in the attitude of Mercury, having the right arm advanced and much raised, the face turn- ed over the right shoulder, and the left foot off the ice, a short distance behind the other, turned out and pointed. FIGURE OF THREE, OR INSIDE EDGE BACKWARDS. This figure is formed by turning from the outside edge forward to the inside edge backward on the same foot. The head of the three is formed like the half circle, on the heel of the outside edge ; but when the half circle is complete, the skater leans suddenly forward, and rests on the same toe inside, and a backward motion, making the tail of the 3, is the consequence. The figure described by the right leg should be nearly in form of No. i, and on the left leg should be reversed, and resemble No. 2. 34 Tlu Skatef^s MamiaL You will now be able to try the double three. Figs. 6 and 7. The position is as in the engraving, which shows the right way of holding the body for fancy skating. Fig. 8. The Skaters Manual. 35 DOUBLE THREE, When you can accomplish the eight and the three, you may combine the two, and produce a variety of figures, taking care always to keep your balance. Begin with the left hand three by starting with the left foot on the outer edge, and when you get to the twist of the three, spin round and finish the figure, still with the left foot, with the inside edge backward. The right foot now passes to the top of the right-hand three, and you reverse the motion again and again ; keep the body upright, and let the steel of the skate bite well into the ice. Numerous combinations of these figures are produced by good skaters, but enough has been said to show the " how " and the " why " of the principal figures, after which the learner must be left to his own prac- tice and skill. At first the skater should not throw himself quite so hard as hitherto on the outside forward, in order that he may be able the more easily to change to the inside back. He may also be for some time contented with much less than a semi-circle before he turns. Having done this, and brought the left leg nearly up to the other, he must not pass it on in advance, as he would to complete a circle, but 36 The Skater s Mamtal. throw it off gently sidewise, at the same moment turning the face from the left to the right shoulder, and giving the whole person a slight inclination to the left side. These motions throw the skater upon the inside of his skate ; but as the first impulse should still retain most of its force, he continues to move on the inside back, in a dire6lion so little dif- ferent that his first impulse loses little by the change. (Fig. 8.) If unable to change the edge by this method, the skater may assist himself by slightly and gently swinging the arm and leg outward, so as to incline the person to a rotary motion. This swing, how- ever, must be corre6led as soon as the objedl is at- tained ; and it must generally be observed that the change from edge to edge is to be effe6led merely by the inclination of the body, not by swinging. When the skater is able to join the ends of the 3, so as to form one side of a circle, then, by striking off in the same manner, and completing another 3, with the left leg, the combination of the two 3's will form an 8, In the first attempts, the 3 should not be made above two feet long, which he will acquire the power of doing almost imperceptibly. He may th^n gradually extend the size as he advances in the art. Though, in this se6lion, backward skating is spoken of, the term refers to the skate only^ which in such case moves heel foremost ; but the person The Skaters Manual. 37 of the. skater moves sideways, the face being always turned to the dire6lion in which he is proceeding. Fig. 9. OUTSIDE EDGE BACKWARDS. Here the skater, having completed the 3, and be- ing carried on by the first impulse, still continues his progress in the same dire6lion, but on the other 38 The Skaters Manual. foot, putting it down on its outside edge, and con- tinuing to go backward slowly. To accomplish this, the skater, after making the 3, and placing the outside edge of the left foot on the ice, should at once turn his face over the right shoulder, raise his right foot from the ice, and throw back his right arm and shoulder. (Fig. 9.) If, for a while, he is unable readily to raise that foot which has made the 3, and leave himself on the outside of the other skate, he may keep both down for some distance, putting himself, however, in attitude of being on the outside only of one skate, and gradu- ally lifting the other off the ice as he acquires ability. When finishing any figure, this use of both feet backward has great convenience and beauty. Before venturing on the outside backward, the skater ought to take care that the ice is clear of stones, reeds, etc., and also be certain of the good quality of his irons. When going with great force backward, the course may be deflected, so as to stop by degrees ; and, when moving slowly, the sus- pended foot may be put down in a cross direction to the path. Such are the four leading movements of which the skate is capable : namely, the inside edge forward, the outside forward, the inside back, and the out- side back, in which has been seen how the impulse for the first two is gained, and how the third flows The Skater's Manual. 39 from the second, and the fourth from the third. By the combination of these elements of skating, and the variations with which they succeed each other, are performed all the evolutions in this art. Fig. lo. THE BACK ROLL. The Back Roll is a means of moving from one foot to the other. 40 The Skaters Manual. Suppose the skater to have put himself on the outside edge back of the left leg, with considerable impulse, by means of the 3 performed on the right, not bearing hard on the edge, for the object is to change it, and take up the motion on the right foot : this is effe6led by throwing the left arm and shoul- der back, and turning the face to look over them — when, having brought the inside of his left skate to bear on the ice, he must immediately strike from it to the outside back of the other, by pressing it into the ice as forcibly as he can at the toe. Having thus been brought to the backward roll on the right foot, he repeats the same with it. THE BACK CROSS ROLL. The Back Cross Roll is done by changing the balance of the body, to move from one foot to the other, in the same manner as for the back roll. The stroke is from the outside instead of the inside edge of the skate, the edge on which he is skating not being changed, but the right foot, which is off the ice, being crossed at the back of the left, and put down, and stroke taken at the same moment, from the outside edge of the left skate, at the toe. As in the back roll of both forms, the strokes are but feeble ; the skater may, from time to time, re- The Skaters Manual. 41 new his impulse as he finds occasion, by commenc- ing anew with the 3. THE OUTSIDE BACKWARD ROLL. The large outside backward roll is attained by a run, when the skater, having gained all the impulse he can, strikes on the outside forward of the right leg, turns the 3, and immediately puts down the left on the outside back. He then, without further Fig. II. POSITION FOR SPREAD EAGLE. effort, flies rapidly over the ice, the left arm being 42 The Skater's Manual. - raised, the head turned over the right shoulder, and the right foot turned out and pointed. It must be evident that the figures described may be combined and varied infinitely. Hence waltz and quadrille skating, etc., which may be described as combinations of 3's, outside backwards, etc. These are left to the judgment of the skater, and his skill in the art. The spread eagle is made by skating with either foot, and bringing the heels together, as shown in in the engraving. Sometimes it is done on the outer edge — that is, by a circle made backward in- stead of forward — and sometimes on the inner edge ; generally the latter. The knees are bent, and the position is assumed after a good swinging burst forward. The waltz, the quadrille, the back cross roll, etc., are only to be acquired by pra6lice, and cannot be taught in books. Did anybody ever learn the figure of a quadrille, or any other dance, on paper 1 TREATMENT IN CASES OF DROWNING. The following directions for treatment in cases of suspended animation from drowning, are from the pen of an eminent medical writer : I. Remove the body carefully, and apply dry heat^ The Skaters Manual, 43 as warm blankets, bottles filled with hot water, hot bricks, and such like means. 2. To induce respiration^ place the patient gently on his face, with one wrist under the forehead. All fluids, and the tongue itself, then fall forward, leaving the entrance into the windpipe free. 3. Raise and support the chest well^ on a folded coat or other article of dress. 4. Turn the body very gently on the side and a little beyond^ and then briskly on the face alternate- ly : repeating these measures deliberately, efficiently and perse veringly, fifteen times in the minute, occasionally varying the side. When the patient reposes on the chest, this cavity is compressed by the weight of the body, and expiration takes place. When he is turned on the side this pressure is re- moved, and inspiration occurs. 5. When the prone position is resumed, make equable but efficient pressure^ with brisk move- ment along the back of the chest, removing it im- mediately before rotation on the side. 6. Meantime, to induce circulation and warmth, rub the limbs upwards, vii\hjirm grasping pressure and with energy, using handkerchiefs, etc. By this means the blood is propelled along the veins to- ward the heart. 7. Let the limbs be thus warmed and dried, and then clothed, the bystanders supplying the requisite £:arments. 44 T^f^^ Skaters Manual, 8. Avoid the continuous warm batk^ and the position on, or inclined to^ the back ; and all rough treatment of the body should also be carefully avoided. 9. A blanket or shawl will be found useful to place around persons when taken out of the water ; and if the weather is very cold, and the person has to be removed any distance, it might be the means of saving life. SKATING CLUBS. Skating, while being one of the most delightful sports, is at the same time one of the most danger- ous. The object of a skating club is instru6tion and improvement in the art of skating, the cultiva- tion of a friendly feeling in all who participate in the amusement, and the efficient use of proper apparatus for the rescue of persons breaking through the ice. Among the most celebrated clubs . in the country is the New York Skating Club, who have a regular organization, and whose members number some of the most influential citizens of the metropolis. The officers consist of a President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Correspond- ing Secretary, Treasurer, Meteorologist, and Board The Skaters Manual, 45. of Directors, all of whom are elected by sepa- rate ballots at an annual meeting. The President presides. The Secretary records the proceedings ; in his absence the Corresponding Secretary fills his place. The Treasurer colle(5ls and receives in trust all moneys payable or donations made, appro- priates the same to the payment of the bills of the Club, and keeps regular accounts. The Meteorolo- gist keeps a record of the number of skating days, and the state of the thermometer ; also a diary of all the incidents of the skating season, and all mat- ter he may deem suitable for preservation, notice, and a6lion, looking to improvement, pleasure, and safety. At the end of each season he embodies his budget of information in a report, which the club publishes, and which furnishes a succin6l and in- teresting history of skating, and in years to come will be very valuable as a matter of reference. The skating house of the Club is a neat but un- pretending building, and is so constru6led as to be readily removable, for future use, when the skating season is over. It is one story in height, and sur- mounted by two flag staffs — one for the national ensign, and the other for the club or signal flag, the latter being 2. facsimile of the badge. The Club was organized during the season of 1863, and has been successful beyond the most san- guine expe6lations of its originators. At present it numbers about three hundred members. The ini- 46 The Skater's Mamml. tiation fee is ten dollars, and five dollars for dues, which includes the badge. Ladies and minors can become associate members by paying five dollars initiation fee and half the yearly dues. The badge is of very handsome design, oval in shape, and is made of gold, backed with silver. The border represents a skate strap running through a buckle at the bottom, and extends below the sweep of the OvaJ, on which is engraved the number of the badge, in black. The whole incloses a blue enamel background, .in the middle of which is a skate of an approved* pattern, with the name of the Club above and below it. The badge is to be worn on the left breast of the coat or outer garment when on the ice. The idea of a skating club is not merely the con- gregating together of a number of skaters for mu- tual enjoyment, and the wearing of a badge : the New York Skating Club takes a broader and more enlightened view of the subje(5l. Their obje6l is the advancement of the art of skating, and the en- noblement of a pastime which is at the same time one of the most healthy and graceful that can be indulged in. With ice of their own, new figures can be studied and old ones elaborated ; combina- tions can be formed in which four or more skaters can participate ; quadrilles, waltzes, polkas, and other dances can be performed, and brought to as much perfe6lion on the ice as in the ballroom. The Skaters Manual, 47 On the ponds in the Central Park these things could not be attempted, much less accomplished, owing to the crowds that gather round good skaters, and interfere with their evolutions ; but as the New York Club have a pond of their own, this arrangement will afford much larger accommoda- tions to the public on the ice of the Park, and en- able the Commissioners to avoid the crowds that always assemble about and obstruct accomplished skaters. AMERICAN NOVELS. I The following " American Novels " have been published and are for sale by all news agents. An examination of the list will satisfy all that they stand at the head of cheap publications. No series can number such an array of distinguished contributors. Among our works are the best efforts of the following authors : J. Fenimore Cooper, W. Gilmore Simms, LL.D., P. Hamilton Myers, Edward S. Ellis (who writes exclusively for us), H. Milnor Klapp, S. J. C. Whittlesey, and others who are well known to the public. 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