Group XV, No. 124* Price 10 cents GV 461 .S77 ^ Copy 1 a ATHLrETl ATHLETIC LrlBRARY :--/ HOW TO BECOME ii GYMNAST ^ ^^'.^' ?| AND ROPE CUMBER N.Y.A.C. American Sports Publishing Co. ,m\k 2 i Warren Street, New YorK SPALDING COMPLETE LINE OF ATHLETIC GOODS IN THE FOLLOWING CITIES: NEW YORK 124.13S Naauo St. I Fifth ATcnne LONDON. ENGLAND (317-318. BighHolborn.W.C. ^,^78, Cheapslde, E. C. West End Branch i29,Hayinarl^ ^ MS:^ tips of the fingers ; then jump up, and by passing the hands over it towards the back, lay hold of it and grasp it firmly, letting the thumbs be on the same side as the fingers, and the knuckles as far upwards as possible (See Fig. l), grasping it firmly, without any feai GYMNASTICS. 9 to/ n«>t being abk to retain your hold very long, as that is sure to eome by practice. Therefore, at first suspend yourself as long as con- renient without tiring yourself, yet after a time you should so hang as long as possible ; and by the continual practice of this, the most eiMple of all exercises, the strength of the arms and hands is greatly den'-eloped. Though not fatiguing at first, it becomes much more so the longer the body is suspended, and it is stated that a soldier oncf> held himself by the hands for forty-two minutes, whilst many others have been known to thus suspend themselves for thirty-flve minutes. The exercise should likewise be practiced by hanging by one hand, letting the other drop straight down by the side each time. It would be well for the gymnast to practice jumping up to the bar and grasp- ing it with one hand only, and not with both hands and afterwards letting go with one of them. Do not always use the same hand, but let the right and left hands alternately bear the weight of the body. Grasping the bar with the fingers turned towards you should be likewise practiced, as many exercises require the hands to be so placed. To Hano by the Hands. Arm and hand procfo'ce.— Stand under the bar with the face towards its length, and in jumping up to grasp it place one hand on either side of it, and proceed as stated in the last exercise. Arm and hand practice. — Jump up as in the first exercise, but grasp the bar with the arms crossed about half way between the elbows and the wrists, and letting the face come between the arms so as to look between them, at the same time keeping the body perfectly straight by not allowing it to turn either to the right or to the left, According to whichever arm is underneath. This exercise must likewise be practiced with the hands turned and grasping the bar on the other side, thereby bringing the fingere towards you (See Fig. 2), and proceeding according to the directions previously given. It would be better if, on letting go with the hand underneath, it wore passed over the other each time: this would render the exercise a little more difficult. Arm and wrist practice. — Jump up and grasp the bar with the knuckles and thumbs towards you, then, by giving a slight upward motion, move first the right hand to the right, and then the left to the left, and by short and regular steps repeat the exercise until the arms are as open as it is possible for them to be, when reverse the 10 GYMNASTICS. movement and bring the hands gradually together again. The ex- ercise must now be repeated with the hands turned the reverse way, and on no account are they to slide along the bar, but be lifted fairly frdm it each time. A slight pause should be made between each movement; or, Hang by the hands with the knuckles towards you as before, and widen the distance between the hands as in the last, but in this exercise they must be moved towards their respective ends of the bars both at once, and the movement continued until the same dis- tance along the bar is reached, when reverse the motion and bring the hands together. Kepeat the exercise with the fingers towards yoUj and without letting the hands slide along the bar in the least. To Walk. Arm practice.— 1. Grasp the bar with both hands on the same side and move them alternately along it, beginning with short and even steps, and increasing their length until able to take them with ease, and when capable of so doing let each step be as long as it is possible to open the arms, but without any kind of a jerk, or any sign of over-exertion, and this must be persevered in. 2. When well up in the above let the hands be crossed over each other in advancing, thus : if going to the left pass the right arm over the left, and vice versa. Let the legs be kept perfectly straight, and the toes well pointed to the ground. Nothing shows a careless and unskillful gymnast so much as throwing his legs or body about while achieving any of the essential preliminary exercises ; therefore strive to carry all exer- cises into effect with the legs, etc., kept in their proper position without any undue stiffness. Another Exercise.— Grasp the bar with one hand on either side and proceed as in the last, but the hands must now always advance one before the other in going forward, and in returning walk back- wards, when they are passed each in turn behind the other. Let the legs be kept perfectly steady as in the last. These two exercises should be well persevered in, for a man is not worthy the name of a gymnast if he cannot go through any pre- liminary exercise that may be set him as they are the essential groundwork for the more difficult ones as he advances. To Jump. Arm practice. — This exercise is very like the last, as the learner places his hands first, both on the same side ; second, one on either side of the bar ; but he here must move them both at the same time instead of alternately, and to assist the pupil in making the ©YMNASTIOS. 1\ eprlngr requisite to advance, the legs may be brought up a little and carried down again suddenly ; but after he can achieve the next exer- cises, he must effect the spring by the arms alone, when the legs \nust be kept perfectly still, when after a little time he can try to jump as far along the bar as possible, then to and fro, ad libitum, the length of the jump being in proportion to the impetus given to the ¥l3i ^ body. If the legs be thrown about too much the desired effect uponthe musi cles of the arm will be in part lost. Breasting the Bar, or to Eisf- AND Fall. Muscle practice; slow movement. —This exercise is nothing more than the pulling up of the body as high as the arms will allow. It is done by hanging on the bars by the hands and gradually raising the body, by bending the arms at the elbows, until the breast is as high as the bar (see Fig . 3), then steadily lowering your- self again. It should be repeated at least three times, and if not able to succeed in doing it the first time of trying do not despair, for on the being able to effect this exercise likewise de- pends the being able to accomplish many others herein given ; besides which, it tends greatly to strengthen the muscles ot the arms and wrist. This must likewise be practiced with the hands turned, thereby grasping the bar on the opposite side, when the fingers will be towards you, the thumb being on the same side as the lingers. The gymnast should so persevere in the rise and fall exercise that he may be able to do so with one arm only, the other hanging loosely by the side, or carried out a little in front to assist in balanc- ing himself. The legs, which should be straight, are, in achieving this exercise, either raised quite horizontally or else projected a little to the front; this renders it rather easier to carry into effect. To EisK AND Fall with one Arm at a Time. Arm and muscle 12 OTMNASTTOS. practice.— Grasp the bar with both hands, letting them be a little wider apart ; then, keeping the left arm straight, raise the body up by contracting the muscles of and bending the right arm; now straighten the right and bend the left in like manner, repeating the exercise at least three times with each arm alternately at first, after- wards it may be done a few times with one arm, and then with the other. When perfect in the above, and able to do it freely, proceed with the next exercise. \ To Change Hands. Arm and wrist practice.— Hajig on the bar with both hands, as in the first exercise, keeping the body and legs perfectly straight and steady, then with a sudden motion turn the hands inwards, and, carrying them out a little, grasp the bar on the outer side, when the fingers will point towards you. This is excel- lent practice, not only for the arms and wrists, but also to insure a quick and firm grasp ; it should therefore be repeated three or four times, without separating the legs and throwing them about, which can only be prevented by raising the body a little. Changinq Hands Across. Arm and wrist practice.— Gr&sp the bar with the arms crossed one over the other, say the right over the left, and letting the backs of the hands be towards the face, then, keeping the body perfectly straight, with a sudden movement change the position of the arms, and bring the left over the right, when continue the exercise a few times. The arms and wrists will be found to derive great benefit from practicing this and the next exercise ; but it must be borne in mind that, in crossing the arms, the point of intersection is to be half-way between the elbows and the wrists, and on no account must the body be allowed to turn round toward that side of the arm which is under- neath. To insure this, the pupil should endeavor to bring his face between his iicmz n.nc' look through them ; or, Grasp -^ >ar y^itL the arms across, as in the last, but with the fingers plntlng towardc you, and endeavor, while keeping the body perfectly stKjiigfht, C»^ffec' the change as before. Right About $'AC3E. Arm and wrist practice.— Grasp the bar with both hands .-9 before then raise the body a little, and, turning it round toward' th" rifirAf— somewhat suddenly, release your hold of the bar and regrasp it again on the other side, now repeat the exer- cise by turning the body to the left, but, being rather difficult to ac- complish. It should at first be done very slowly ; when, however, per- fect In it, the quicker the change is made, and without any app^-rent tt'SMNASTIdft, 18 exertion on the part of the gymnast, the better. The several parts exercised will be wonderfully improved by its being practised, as likewise the grasp. To Touch the Bar with the Feet. Muscle practice.— Hang on the bar as before described, and, with a gradual motion, bring the legs up towards it ; bend the knees, and pass them between the arms under the bar together with the toes, which must be pressed against it. (See Fig. 4). A slight swing might be used at first, if not able to bring up the legs without ; but it is improper to do so, as, in all exercises where £^^4" TlQ.S. the legs are to be brought up, it ought to be done entirely through the muscular force of the arms, etc. To Hang by the Toes. Toe practice.— Proceed as in the last, and. Instead of placing the feet under the bar, hitch them over it, keeping the toes pointed towards the ground as much as possible. Let go your hands, and gradually allow your body to hang straight down by alternately catching hold of your clothes until you are more expert, which you will be after trying it a few times. But the most difBcult part of this exercise is to be able to replace four hands on the bars. To do so, pull yourself up by catching hold of your clothes, using your hands alternately in so doing ; but if notable to, and tke distance be not too great, unhitch the toes and drop to the groimd on the hands, letting the feet come down lightly. For this purposo the bar should be at first only placed ae ^h as the ^rymnast 14 GYMNASTICS. can reach standing on his flat feet, as this will enable him to place hia hands on the ground, and so drop, in the event of his not being able to raise himself up as above directed. \ To Tkuss a Fowl. Spine practice.— Gr&sp the bar with both hands |and bring up the legs, passing the knees between the arms, and hicth- 'ing the toes against the bar, then force the whole body through so as to bring the face downwards, as in Fig. 5, without relaxing your hold of the bar or unhitching your toes, as, after having remained in that position a short time, the body must be brought back through the arms again. The difficulty of this exercise depends partly upon the length of the gymnast's arms and legs, as, the longer his arms are, the more easy will it be for him to carry his body through as above stated . To Bbing the BodyTheough. Spine and muscle practice. — ^Proceed as described in the last exercise, and allow the legs to pass through together with the bodv which must fall as low as the arms will allow, when the body, arms, and legs ought to be nearly in a line with each other. (See Fig. 6.) After remaining in that position for a short time return through the arms again without allowing the hands to lose their hold or the feet to touch the ground. It will be found very difficult for beginners to return, until able to do so, relaese the hands and fall to the ground ; but after a little prac- tice, especially with a little assistance at first, it will become very much easier than would at first appear. If, on bringing the legs through, the feet be crossed, in which case they will pass between the arms first, it will be found to be much easier to achieve. The EvEBiiASTiNG Twist. Wrist practice. This is an excellent exercise for beginners, and one strongly recommended, as in per- forming it the gymnast must, if he have not yet done so, suspend himself by one hand, thereby testing the strength of each wrist. Proceed as last described, but, in lieu of bringing the body again through the arms, let go with one hand, when the body will swerve half round, then grasp the bar again and repeat the exercise as often as convenient. If it be done six times without stopping, and always letting go the same hand, it will appear as if the arm were being twisted completely round; but the pupil need not always use the same hand as it may be varied by doing the exercise three times with each, or by changing it every time the body is brought through. To B.ANQ BY THE LEGS. Knee practice. Grasp the bar firmly, GYMNASTICS. 15 and bringing the legs through the arms, hitch them over the bar as far as the bend of the knee, when, by keeping the toes well pointed to the ground, and pressing the legs against the bar as firmly as possible, let go with the hands, letting them hang down loosely, and gradually lower the body as in Fig. 7. After remaining in that position as long as convenient, bring tha arms up, and, by drawing the body up a little, grasp the bar agai'-, FiQ. «• Ft(h ^ and allo^v the body, after having unhitched the legs, to fall and drop to the ground, taking care to alight on the toes ; or. Proceed as in the exercise to bring the body through and carry the rightleg only through and over the bar as far as the bend at the knee, and throw the left leg over the right foot, also as far as that joint ; then by letting go your hands, let the body hang down loosely the hands hanging down also, or folded across the chest akimbo. After having remained in this position a short time, raise the body 16 GYMNASTICS. up, grasp the bar with the hands, and change the position of the legs, viz., throw the left leg over the bar, and carry the right leg over the left foot, and hang as before. This exercise, if constantly practiced, will be found to so mater- ially strengthen the knee joint, that the benefit derived from it will be of great advantage in climbing. The Suspender. Spine and leg practice.— Thi^i exercise is meant to strengthen the grasping of the bars with the legs, and especially with but one leg, therefore it p,»*^ GYMNASTIdS. 41 Fig. 3 2 again quite as slow as you brought them over. The knees must be kept perfectly straight, and the feet kept off the ground the whole of the time. Though this is difficult to beginners and makes the arms ache, it is nevertheless easily performed after a little practice. To KisE AND Fall Below the Baes, or the Letter L. Muscle practice.— Hang from the bars as in the last exercise, and in carrying the legs out in front bend them only at the hips, and raising them up hor- izontally they will, with the body, assume the shape of a letter L, from which the exercise takes its name. Now, while in this position, gradu- ally pull the body up by bending the arms at the elbows and shoulders un- til the upper part of the arms are parallel with the bars, as in Fig. 34, then, after having remained thus for a short time, gradually lower yourself again. The most difficult part of the exercise is, that on raising the body as just stated, the legs are to be kept in exactly the same position as they were before you began, i. e., horizontal (See Fig. 34), and the exercise must be persevered in, arms and legs achieving their respective parts, without allowing the latter to bend or drop. Though this is difficult at first to beginners, it is soon achieved by practice. To Rise and Sink above the Bars. Muscle practice.— Mount between the bars, grasp them firmly, and, allowing the head and chest to project a little forward, lower the body gradually by bend- ing the arms, and carrying the elbows well up over each respective bar, until your body assumes the position shown in Fig. 35, but without allowing the feet to touch the ground; then, by trying to straighten your arms, gradually raise the body again without allow- ing it or the legs to move or turn about. At first tliis will test the whole strength of your muscles to their utmost; but take it easy, as, after a few times trying, you will And that it is not quite so difficult to execute as it at tirst appeared. 42 GYMNASTICS. The muscles of the chest, and more especially those connected with the shoulders, derive the greatest benefit from this exercise. Under these circumstances no pupil ought to be allowed to pass it over, as many are tempted to do, from the seeming pain caused by the weight of the body upon the shoulders by the arms being bent back. Pig. 3 4. To KiSE AND FALii ABOVE THE BARS. One arm pyacf ice.— Mount between the bars, grasping them firmly with the fingers outwards and the thumbs inwards, and, GtYMNASTlCS. 43 i?V>s^— Gradually lower the body as in the last exercise (Fig. 35), then lean body a little toward the left, and straighten the right arm without at all altering the position of the left more than the nature of the exercise will require; now lower it again, and by leaning towards the right rise the left arm in like manner, repeating the exercise very slowly ad libitum. Second.— On sinking down keep the right arm straight and straighten the left before bend- Eio. 3 s . ing the right, or sink down with the right while straight- ening the left, and vice versa; or else lower one side and then the other before raising it. T/iird.— Sink down and rest the fore-arms on the bar, and proceed as given in the first method above. Fov/rth.—Achie\e the exercise by resting on the fore-arms, but in the manner stated in the second method. The Long Kun. Arm prac- tice. — Mount between the bars at the ends as before, and when the body is in a good swing, and raised as in Fig, 26, viz., in the backward swing, make as many alternate movements of the hands along the bars as you can before the legs are allowed to drop, and stopping as soon as they do so, repeat- ing the exercise every time [the body is thus raised till the opposite ends of the bars are reached. The pupil must not expect to take more than two, or three steps at the outside, at first, but by a little patience and practice he will soon be able to take five or six easily. The Long Leap, or The Pumping Movement (Forward). Arm and wrist practice.— This exercise requires great strength in the wrists and muscles, and must therefore be continually practiced, or u GYMNASTICS. it will be utterly impossible for the pupil ever to accomplish it to per- fection, and with that perfect ease and freedom of action which the nature of the exercise demands, and without which its beauty and advantageous results will be entirely lost. Proceed with tne swing as before described, and in the backward swing (Fig. 20) bend the arms, thereby sinking the body as in Fig. 36, before the legs have had time to drop; then, on the body rising in the forward swing (Fig. 27), carry up the legs well in front, at the same time taking a sudden spring with the wrists, advance as far along the bars as practicable, but in short steps at first, as after a little time you will be able so to increase it as to go the length of the bars in three, if not in two, springs or jumps. On alighting on the bars, the^arms are to be straightened, as in Fig. 27, and proceeding with the backward swing, prior '*^^*-*' to allowing the body to sink again, when it may be repeated as often as convenient, but without overtiring yourself, until able to take the leap as already described. The Pumping Movement (backward). Ar^n and wrist practice.— When the ends of the bars are reached in the last exercise, the gymnast must achieve this exercise by revers- ing the motion, viz., allow the body to sink in the forward swing, and on the body rising in the backward swing, give a backward spring, alighting on the bar with straightened arms, then sink down again and continue the exercise to the end of the bars. The Bend. /Spine practice.— ^tajid outside the bars with your face towards them, grasp them firmly with your hands, letting the knuckles be uppermost, and with a spring carry your legs under the bar you are holding and over the other (see Fig. 37), then, by using your arms (without moving your hands from the bar), and with a slight forward motion of the body, carry it over the second bar, and when the middle of the back reaches it, provided your head be free of the first, make a slight spring with your arms which will cause you to slide over the second bar and alight on your feet, but on alighting let the toes be pointed to the ground. GTIVINASTICS. 45 Another method of doing it is to grasp the bar, and, springing up, carry the legs and body over the second, and giving the spring with the arms directly, go over the other without any apparant pause ; this would be the more easily done were the gymnast to raise his legs well up in carrying them over, which, with the after spring, would after a little practice enable it to be done without touching, or at least but very little, the other bar. The whole of the body must pass freel y between the bars and over the second, and on no account is any part of it to be turned on one side while achieving this exercise, which causes the spine to bend freely, but many a young gymnast abandons it, owing to that action giving him some reason to think it hurts him; yet, after having done it three or four times, it will not be found to be so difficult, and therefore he will be able to do it with ease to his back and satisfac- tion to himself. To Eoiiij OVER THE Baes. Spine practice.— >iit on one of the bars with both legs on the outside, and grasp that bar with both hands, one on either side of you, with the knuckles uppermost, then lean back on the other bar and rest the back of the neck on it, when bring the legs over the bar on which your neck rests, thereby causing the body to rise with them, as in Fig. 38, and by letting go your hands when the whole body is nearlv over the second bar, you will alight safely on your feet. This exercise must be done tolerably quick, otherwise your legs will not be forward enough to fall when you let go your hands, and 46 GYMNASTICS. th© consequences may be somewhat disagreeable, though it is a very neat exercise if performed with agility and without fear. The Sausage. Spine practice.— iSlount between the bars about the middle, with the fingers on the outside, bend up the legs and hitch the toes over them behind the hands, letting them point outwards. Now pass the hands farther towards their ends of the bars, and when they and the feet are sufHciently far apart, let the body sink down as low as possible ; in fact, when in this position you must occupy as great a length of the bars as possible, by working the hands forward and the toes backward. (See Fig. 39.) The pupil must now endeavor to rise, which at first he will not be cible to do properly, for he will either not be able to rise at all, or else tie will so far forget himself as p^^ „ o to let his toes drop off from the bars; yet after a little perse- verance the difficulty will be easily overcome, as the whole secret rests in the muscles and spine, which will be put to their full test. It is accomplished by first raising the head and shoulders above the bars by bending the arms, when the elbows are to be brought up- permost ; after that Is achieved, the rest is easy. Until able to do it otherwise one arm may be brought up at a time, but this should not be attempted after the first few at- tempts. The Pancake. Ann practice.— Blount between the bars, and swing: until your body in the backward swing be parallel with the bars (see Fig. 26), or until you think you can hold on to the bars no longer; when such is the case, release your hold and endeavor, whilst in the air, to clap the hands (see Fig. 40), and on falling catch hold of the bars again without allowing the feet to touch the ground, repeatmg the exercise at least three times without resting. It will make the arms ache at first, but, notwithstanding that, it is to be easily achieved. The Front Horizontai*. ISpine and muHc.le pmciu-^.— Grasp the GTMNASTICS. 47 ends of the bars with the fingers uppermost, and, stooping down, until the arms are straight, carry the legs straight out in front, when raise them and the body up until they assume the required position (see Fig . 24). Fig. 39. r ^m . The Back Hokizontal. Spine and muscle practice.— Grasp the ends of the bars with the fingers uppermost, sink down and carrying the legs out in front and raise thi^m and the body upright, then, keeping the whole of the body perfectly straight, gradually lower it until it assumes the position shown in Fig. 23, Fi^.40. The BAiiANCE. Wrist and muscle practice.— Mount between the bars, and bending the legs up behind at the same time lifting the hody up, bring the knees upon them, letting the toes point outward, find kneel. 48 GTMNASTICS. Now lean forward, and rest the right shoulder on the right-hsili bar, as close to the hand as possible, then gradually raise your le^ into the air until they are perfectly straight and perpendicular to the bars, when, after having rested thus for a short time, grasp the bars very firmly, and with a slow motion with the arms carry your Pio.41. Tig. 42. body, without altering its position, across the width of the bars (Fig 41), and rest the left shoulder on the other bar. This exercise should be done as often as convenient, without allow- ing the legs to be bent. The wrists will here be tried very much, but will afterwards be found to have gained strength in doing it. 6TMNASTICg. 4& The Hand Balance, or to Stand on the Hands. Arm vmi wrist practice.— Proceed as in last exercise, and having fairly bal- anced yourself as there described, bring your body equi-distant be- tween the bars, and gradually raise it by straightening the arms, when bend the body a little back, to ensure a good balance (See Y\g. 42). Stay in that position for a short time, then lower yourself again, and linish with some showy exercise. After having practiced the above for sometime, it would be well for the gymnast to mount between the bars, swing very high, es- pecially in the backward swing, and on the legs going over the head to lower the body a little by bending the arms. The greatest bal- ance is necessary in doing this, as one is liable to be two anxious, and overbalance himself when least expected ; but if, in achieving this exercise, the body be a little bent, it will make it much easier for the learner to balance himself in carrying it into effect, when the body might be raised until the arms are perfectly straight, yet after a practice it could be accomplished without bending the arms at all, which would certainly give it a better effect. The Slow Upwakd Movement, Wrist practice.— To facilitate and expedite the accomplishing of this, to beginners, most difficult and trying exercise, it being done solely by the strength of the wrists, it has been divided into three exercises, each of which may be prac- ticed as a complete one in itself. Mount between the bars, with the face towards their length, letting the balls of the hands be a little over the ends, but not too far, and the bars lirmly grasped, the lingers being on the outside, and tend- ing, as the exercise is proceeded with, towards the top, the thumb be- ing inside. Sink down by bending the arms, allowing the elbows to fall with the body, as in Fig. 43, keeping the head forward and the chin out ; when that point is attained, rise (perhaps with some little as- sistance at lirstj into the upright position again, and practice it until able to do it easily before attemping to proceed with the next. Although this greatly resembles the Else and Fall exercise, it is thought proper to insert it here, not only from the difference in the position of the hands and body, but from its connection with the two following exercises, of which it forms a part. Proceed with the last exercise, and this time drop the elbows as low as possible below the bars, still keeping the body is the same position; the wrists will now be so bent over the ends of the bar that 50 GITMNAS'flCS. the body will seem to hang from them. On carrying the elbows down the Angers should be brought somewhat over the bars, to have a greater purchase to rise again, which must be done very slowly—' the slower the better, and well persevered in before attempting to continue the movement, as in the next exercise. Having completely mastered the two previous exercises as there Fig. 4 3. 1"'ig.4 4, given, let the gymnast, now that his elbows are below the bars, let drop, by straigiitening the arms, as low as possible (Fig. 44) ; should there not be room enough for his legs, thev may be either extended out in front, or else bent underneath at the knees , in either case, they must on no account touch the ground. Every movement in these three exercises, which though when combine form but one, should be done as slowly as possible; the gymnast will therefore be now required to bring the whul© oJ! the muscles of his arms and wrists into use to GYMNASTICS. Si raise his body up again, and some slight assistance in the way of a gentle left under the armpits, at ilrst, may be the means of his over- eo.ning the difficulty much sooner than it otherwise would be, or at least until he attains the position described in the last exorcise, which, in returning, is the turning point of the whole. PLniPiNG Movement. Competition Practice.— M.ovint between the bars in the middle of them, the movements required being very simi- lar to thase given in the backward pumping movement, but here the gymnast must swing and on the legs raising up in front, raising the body again directly, by straightening the arms, on the legs going in the backward swing, when the body and legs must be well raised behind, like that shown in Fig. 36, then let the body drop without bending the arms until the legs rise up in front again, when the ex- ercise is to be repeated in all three times. Having accomplished the above, he now proceeds with the second part of the exercise, viz., continue the swing, and sinking the body on the legs dropping from behind ; strengthening the arms again on their being carried up in front, which must here be done as high as possible, when, giving the body a backward swing, the exercise can be continued as before, viz., three times. The Slow Upward Movement. Wrist practice.— ThQ gymnast must mount in the middle of the bars, and proceed slowly to carry the preceding slow upward exercises into effect. If preferred, he may practice each division, as in the aforesaid exercises, in the order they are placed. This will enable him to understand the required movements of the arms and hands better, as he will soon find that, although the exercise itself is the same, the execution of it will be more difficult, as the difference in the position of the hands will cause the gymnast to bend his elbows closer to his sides, while lowering his body between the bars; besides which, his hands being then turned out, his wrists will be likewise turned out, as well as down. This evil maybe in part remedied by his bringing his hands upon the top of the bars (Fig. 43) as the body is lowered, carrying them over on the outside as his body is again raised thereby getting a greater purchase to bring the elbows up on assuming his original position. This exercise needs but a little practice, if the previous ones can be achieved easily. 6^ ^itMKASDica. THE RINGS. ttemarka. — The advantage which this apparatus has over the two previous ones is that, from its being suspended from the ceiling", it can be used almost everywhere, even in a passage about three feet wide, room to swing to and fro being the chief requisite. There is scarcely a part of the body, from the hands to the feet, that is not ijrought into use by practicing upon the Eings, and the exhilirating effects of being carried bacliward and forward la the swing being so well known to every one, what must therefore be the additional ben- tits to be derived from suspending the body by the hands while be- ing thus swayed to and fro ! Though the exercises are not so vari- ous upon the Bings as upon the Trapeze, still gymnasts will be gen- erally found practicing upon them of tener ; though why that should be I know not, as for my own part, I am more partial to the Trapeze than the Eings. The gymnast having perfected himself in the previous depart- ments will soon be able to take up the rings. He should start this exercise with simple arm movement, such as taking hold of the rings with his hands and gradually drawing himself up to his chin, and then letting himself down to arm's length. This should be done slowly and repeatedly, from six to eight times In succession. In the course of several weeks he will llnd that he can do it twenty times with the same ease that he did his six or eight turns when he first began. This exercise brings into play particularly the muscles of the arms. EXEKCISES ON THE EiNGS.— If this work is completely mastered 1 would advise what commonly goes by the naime of "breast up." There are two .ways of accomplishing this trick. One is with the single grip and the other is with the double grip. There is all the difference in the world between the single and double grip. The single grip is by far the most difficult of the two, and I advise particularly against its use. With the double grip it is altogetiior GYMNASTICS. 5U=>W R&vOLVfc ROPtr 54 GYMNASTICS. different. Tou place your hands on the rings and allow th©m to rest almost half way across the wrists. You will find that in course of time you will be able to do it with very little exertion. To make this trick plainer I will add a few words : You must place, as I have already described, your hands above the rings and then draw yourself up so as to have the hands even with the shoulders, which is not very easy ; then you turn the rings out, in order to allow your shoulders to come [between the ropes. Now draw the rings toward you, press until you get up at arm's length, and the trick is done. When this trick is done with the single grip a great deal of weight must be supported by the fingers alone. When it is done with the double grip the whole hand and also the wrist are used, and thus the labor is divided. VAiiUE OP THE Breast Up.— This trick should be thoroughly studied and mastered, and when that is done the beginner will be amply rewarded. He will have far less trouble and exercise less strength in doing the more difficult tricks, such as the forward hori- zontal, back horizontal, hand balance, stationary and swinging; the half arm balance, back snap, stationary and swinging and double disjoint, slow revolve and many others too numerous to mention. I consider it best to use the double grip in studying the rings, as I find that it enables the performer not only to do all these tricks bet- ter, but also with much more ease and grace. One thing particularly a beginner should never lose sight of. He should be careful to finish his tricks as well and neatly as possible, so as to make them graceful and appear easy to the spectator. He must be precise in every movement, not a second too long nor too short. He should start in and leave off at the precise moment. To learners I would say do all your tricks with style and finish, for however simple a trick may be if it is perfectly done it will be a pleasure for the beholder. But, on the contrary, if the most difficult trick is not well done it is a failure and would better not have beeu attempted. The Kings Not Easy.— A beginner will find that the rings are about as hard as any apparatus in the gymnasium. But no gymnasium work is eas^'-, and perseverence is the key of Success. If the first effort is a failure the fifth or sixth may not be. My advice is to work persistently and never lose heart. My own experience proves that my advice i» good. GYMNASTICS. 55 When I started in the gymnasium about fifteen years ago I had as many failures and mishaps as any beginner, but I persev\5red and gave my steady attendance to study, and to that alone I owe whatever success I may have attained. I won the amateur cham- pionship of America in the rings for the years 1885, 1886, 1887, 1888, 1889 and 1890, as well as the rope climbing in 1888, doing this trick of rope climbing twenty-two feet in live and three-fifts seconds. I have also won over fifty prizes for running from the year 1880 to 1883. At that time I was retired from active track athletics. I am an active member of the New York Athletic Club, and I still perform on the rings. I also have a record for rope climbing, made at Princeton, N. J., on Feb. 22, 1889, of thirty-seven feet and nine inches in ten and one-half seconds. Some Hard Teicks.— -I have already described the process of training for the rings, and now I will tell how some of the tricks are performed. The back horizontal is one of the prettiest that I know of. In this trick the performer takes hold of the rings and throws his legs into the air until he is in the position of a man standing on his hands, Slowly the body is lowered until it is held out straight with the face downward and the arms extended downward. The front horizontal is much more difficult to'most performers, but with me it is easier. The beginner should start by hanging at arm's length. Then he should throw the head well back and draw his legs and body up until a horizontal is reached. This should be done at first with a forward snap. The swinging back snap is simply a breast up done backward and ivith a throw. The performer rests on his palms at arm's length. Jhis trick does not require so much strength as knack. It is not hard to learn and needs confidence. The beginner should do it first \i ithout a swing. The Swinging Hand Balance.— The swinging hand balance re- quires first a breast up. When you are up at the forward end of the rings throw your feet up and strike a balance with your legs over your head. The learner should first balance on his hands on the floor with his feet against the wall. Gradually he should draw away from the support in order to gain independence. On the rings it should be learned without the swing. When this wB mastered a short swing should be 1 the legs, then by opening them wide, I ^Pfl^ I ^^^ lifting the feet up, at the same time I ^P/ R I turning the toes well out, and keeping I J^yf ^1 B ^^® heels well down, allow yourself to w i^a^u^L. .m i/ ^ slide ofT the bar, when the feet will be as "" ' shown in Fig. 49. After having remained in that posftfon for a short time, pull the body up, and grasp the bar, when unhitching the feet, achieve some other exercise as a fin- lah to the above (sea next exercise). This exercise is very useful, in the event of a slip at any time, and the gymnast should always be prepared to carry it into effect when required. Mt on the bar, and after getting it to swingr to and fro well, let go GrMKASTICS. 61 the ropes, and throw yourself back in the backward swing, In such a manner that by the time the body has descended as far as practic- able, the swing: will return the other way ; but in so doing", turn the toes well out, and keep the heels well down, then by opening the legs FiG.48. Pio.io. wide, the toes will hitch round the ropes, as shown in the last exer* cise (see Fig. 49), and when in that position let tlie body sway to and fro a few times; then raise it up, and unhitching the feet, achieve a« before some other exercise for a finish. 62 ©TMNASTICS, Grasp the bar with both hands, and, when in a rood swing brinsf the legs up, and hitch them over tlie bar, eitiier between tlio hands or outside them ; if the latter, they should be very close to tho hands, or the feet are very likely to come in contact with the ropes ; then let go with the hands and gradually lower the body ; when at the end of the baekward swing carry the arms and head well back, at the same time unhitch the legs (see Fig. 12), and you will alight safely or the ground. SXAfKASnOB. THE HORSE. The Horse, so c^led from its somewhat resembling that animal a? It at tirst catches the eye, likewise denominated "The Yaultini; Horse," "The Wooden Horse," etc., is now much more practiced upon than formerly, owing: perhaps to the variety of the evolutions to be performed upon it, many more than upon any other gymnastic ap- paratus. Although the several actions of the different parts of the body partake of those of the horizontal bar and parallel bars com- bined, yet, as a whole, they differ materially from both, or either, as upon the horse exercises can be achieved, and movements made, that it would be utterly impossibe to accomplish on any apparatus. It is for this reason that it finds a place in every gymnasium ; in fact, it would not be worthy of that title, were this now most useful appai-a- tus not to found in it. Any exercise on the horse, which is in many respects similar to that achieved on the horizontal bar, must, owing to the position of the hands, differ from it; therefore, under these circumstances, it is hoped that any young would-be athlete, who intends to become mas- ter of any of the following exercises, will not attempt to go through it, unless he has thoroughly worked his whole body into what will be required of him, by beginning at the beginning, and going through the whole of the preliminary exercises, ere he attempt to achieve any of the more difficult, as in every instance he will find that he will have greater difficulty in learning any one exercise, unless thor- oughly well schooled previously, and the exercise, itself will appear much more difficult than it otherwise would be. However, let two be- ginners enter upon their duties, each going his own road, the one doing what he likes, the other following the direction [^here given ; and by the time the latter has reached the end, compare the performancet;, and judge for yourself which is the better of the two. .All gymnasts must bear in mind that, in making the spring, after a run, it must be made from, flat foot, and not from the toes, as if you we -e standing by the side of the horse, and likewise from both feet at (mc .therefore a kind of j ump on to the board, or starting point, must be €4 GYMNASTICS. made prior to making: the beat off; for if the spring: be made other- wise, the exercise to be effectuated will be entirely spoilt, and tha chances are that it will not be done at all. Another thing must be borne ;in mind, i. e., on alighting on the .ground, no matter on which side of the horse, it must always be done on the toes, and not on the flat foot, or a sudden shock will be the conse- quence ; besides, if the legs are bent on alighting, it Avill be made much easier than keeping the legs straight, which must not be. EXEKCISES ON THE HORSE. Stand on the near side of the horse, directly opposite to the pom- mels, and place a hand on either. Spring up and straighten the arms, bringing the body sufficiently forward to let them assume a perpendicular position ; project the chest well {forward, and carry the feet and legs well backward, without bending^them, but at the same time leaning well against the side of the horse. On leaving the horse and alighting on the ground, do so on your toes, and always carry the legs as far away from the horse as possi- ble, when, assisted a little with the wrists, you may touchjthe ground at a distance of from three to four feet. Eepeat the foregoing exercise by lirst taking a short run/ .and by springing from both feet at once, and not from one foot only, and alsa from the flat foot, and not from the foes, placing the hands on the I)ommels at the same time that the spring is made. Leave the horso in the same manner as the last. Repeat the first exercise ; but do not stop while doing it, as the final movement, t. e., the leaving of the horse, must be made directly the body is raised into its place ; in fact, it must be brought about as if the whole were one movement. Repeat the same exercise (either with or without the run), but in- stead of carrying the legs away as therein stated, merely carry the body off a little by the aid of the wrists, and alight on the ground close to the side of the horse, retaining your hold of the pommels when a spring must be again made, and the exercise repeated with- out any rest between. Proceed as before, and after the body is upright, carry the right ley up at the side of the horse into a horizontal position, but without either touching the horse with it after you have begrun, or resting it upon it; then let it drop again and carry up the left leg in like man- GYMNASTICS. nsr. The body in this and three following exercises may be turned a very little only, to ease the le^j , and to facilitate the raising of it, to the right or left, as occasion may require. Kepeat the last exercise, carrying up each leg three times in suc- cession, without either resting or touching the ground between. Proceed as in the last exercise but one, but carry both legs up at once, as slow as possible, first to the right, then to the left, keeping them straight the whole of the time. The body must not be moved nor carried too much to the opposite side to that to which the legs are carried; a very little cannot be helped by most gymnasts, for the p,g g^^ more upright position the body retains the greater th® benefit to be derived there- from, and the more graceful will be its accomplishment. Repeat the last exercise, carrying the legs up three times in succession each way, witfiout either resting or touching the ground while doing it. Repeat the first exercise with a run, and on the body rising carry it a little to the right, and giving it a slight turn to the left throw the right leg over the horse, thereby facing the pommels (Fig. 50). As the pommels are not to be let go while doing this exercise, the body must be leaned a little more forward, but to dismount the body must bo carried well forward, at the same time raising it and bringing the right leg over the horse again, when, by reversing the motion, alight on the ground, but doing so as far from the horse as possibe, by using the wi'ists well. This exercise should also be done without the run. "Hftpeat the last exercise, also with the run, but turn the body to the ngfA,/, and carry the left leg over the left side of the pommels, dismounting in the manner therein stated. This exercise should *L-o be done without the run. «6 GYMNASTICS. Fio. 51, Go through the last exercise but one either with or without the run, and carry the right leg over as therein stated, then raise the body by leaning well forward, and alight on the ground, and springing up again on the instant, but this time carry the left leg over, as in the eleventh exercise, when alight on the ground in like manner. This exercise may be 'repeated four or five times in succes;^ion to advantage, making use of the right and left legs alternately. Proceed as in the last, but instead of alighting on the ground be- tween, allow the body to assume the upright position, as in the first exercise, when, without any spring whatever, otherwise than can be giv- en to the body while in that position, to assist you, carry the left leg over ; then again return to the side of the horse, stop, and carry the right leg overmgain, repeating the exercise at least three times each way alternately without allowing the feet to touch the ground or the arms to be bent, and, if possible, the legs should like- wise be kept perfectly straight, but not 8ii:S^. The body must in this ex- ercise be leaned a little forward each time the leg is carried over the horse, which will make the exercise much more easy to achieve. This is called the Swinging Exer- cise, or the Saddle Vaulting Move- ment. Proceed as in the last exercise |^ but three (Fig. 50), but instead of resting between the change, lean the body forward to throw your whole weight upon the arms, then, while bringing the rightleg back, give the body a kind of turn towards the opposite end of tho horse, and throw the left leg over it, when your face will be towards the tail of the horse. Now, to reverse the motion, lean forward as before, and on the body turning round throw the rightleg oxer again, the legs each time describing a semi-circle. When able to accomplish this with ease, practice it with a quicker movement, which w""' give it the nature of a swing. GYMNASTIOS. Spring up and carry the right knee over the saddle, between the pommels, jump down and springing: up again directly carry the left between them ; then jump down, and on springing up this time carry both knees over the saddle at once, and kneel upright upon the horse, letting go the pommels while doing so (Fig. 51). Grasp the pommels firmly again, and alight on the ground. Do not carry the knee too far over, or you may topple over and alight on the wrong side of thel horse. Spring up as In the first exercise. Now raise the right leg slowly by Jiettding it at the knee and carry it over the saddle, extending it as far as you can without allowing either leg to touch the horse (Fig. 52). The body must be well leaned forward In do- ing this, the hands grasping the pommels firmly. On bringing the right leg back alight on the ground, spring up again, and carry the left leg through In like maner. Proceed as In the last exercise, and on bringing the right leg back carry the left over at the sametime, and without letting either touch the eaddle. This requires but a little practice, when It will become quite easy. Proceed as In the last exercise, and on bringing the right leg back carry the left over at the same time, and with- out letting either touch the saddle. This requires but a little practice, when it will become quite easy. Carry both of the legs over the saddle at once, without touching it Vith the feet (Fig. 53), and raising them Into a horizontal position as soon as the body Is upright. To dismount, lean the body forward, at the same time raising it up behind and carrying the legs out straight baickwards, give a good spring and alight on the ground. Axjhieve the exercise, as for Fig. 51, bringing up both knees at once, then kneel on the saddle, letting them be well over the horse. Now let go the pommels, and bringing the hands upwards in front some- what sharply, at the sametime giving a strong spring forward, lift your feet from off the horse (see Fig. 54). and alight on the ground on th3 other side of it. «8 GYMNASTICS, Although, in endeavoring to effectuate this exercise, at first your legs seem to be fastened to ihe back of the horse, owing chiefly to your lack of courage to go tnrough it for fear of a mishap, such you will easily prove is not the case, if you only give a sufficient spring- at the same time that you carry your hands forward and raise the legs from the horse, although it may not then be neatly done ; still, if needed, and it will only be for once, to give you greater confidence, a second party may be on the opposite side of the horse, to reader Fig. «i3. roil any slight assistance, and to catch you should you jump Toe TAB,, Bepeat the exercise as for Fig. 53, but let there be no pause or hesi- tation in carrying the legs over the horse, and let them be well opened and the body well raised to enable the feet to clear the tops of the t)ommels (see Fig. 55), which must be let go when the legs are about to be brought forward, giving a fti^^ong spring with the wrist in doing gymnastic;-;. 6? BO, to carry you as far as possible from the horse. An assistant h.uJ better be on the opposite side, until you are sure of doing it properly. Proceed as before, but bend the less at the hips only,and on mak- ing the spring: raise them up and carry them only over the rlght-hsind pommel, keeping" the body perfectly upright while goin? over the horse, as, wero it also to be raised, It would make the exercise too I'M. 5 4. much of a vault, and in fact spoil what is intended to be accomplishecj On leaving the horse a good spring must be given with the wrists. Thb Swimming Movement. Wrist practice.— :>,lo\int as in first ex- ercise, then raise the legs up behind, and in leaning the body forward until in a horizontal position, carry it towards the right, bringing that elbow well under you, when, letting go with the ie/i hand and stretch- ing t r>ut in front, support yourself on the right fore-arm for a s'lort time (see Fig. 56), and when able, and while still in same position, al- low the body to revolve round slowly, first to tl.o right, then to th( lett , as by this movement the wrist is well brought into use. Thi? n GYMNASTICS. though a very pretty exercise, requires some little practice to bo able to achieve it neatly ; therefore, when well up la it with the right area, it should be practiced with the left&s S>^o.8o. well. The Boiiii oyer.— This is not so diffi- cult an exercise as it will at first seem, it being very similar to the roll over the parallel bars (Fig. 38), (which see and practice a few times), the chief difference being in the position of the body in starting. The gymnast must stand with his back to the horse, acd, lifting up his elbows behind, place his hands on the side of the pommels, with the fingers outward and the thumbs Inward, so as to lean his elbows on the centre of the back ot the horse. Now lift the feet up with a strong impetus, and carrying them over the head, as in the exercise above referred to, at the same time bending the body backwar'^^sover the horse, and letting the pommels go when the body begins to drop, which must be whea the feet are le vei,or nearly so, with t^e head, you will be able to alight ^ic, 5 6.. In safety on the ground, unless you retain your hold of the pommMBE£SEDTBBS A.G.SPALDING & BROS. STORES IN ALL LARGE CITIES FOflCOIIPlETEUSTOfSnnES SEE IHSIOE FRONT COra OFTHISBOfll Price* in effect Januarsr S. 1916. Subject to change without notice. For Canadian prices »de special Canadfan Catalopue. ACCEPT NO nan BB DfALDlNG CHAliN KtLT ROWING MACHlINii No. 600 SuiUble Alike for the AtUete or tko OnUoary Man or Woman No. 600. The ideal boat lor borne use and train* ing purposes. Brings the "lexeTcise asualhr obtained on river or lake into the home or be«i» room. Fitted with roller seat and adjustable shoes to fit either a tall or a short persoib Thumb-nut arrangement controlling belt allow* more or less friction to be thrown into the ruD> ning parts, imitating the resistance which exists when forcing a row boat through the water. The resistance may be reduced for the weaker sex or increased to suit the strongest athlete. |Oars are pivoted in such a way that operator ^can handle and turn them same as he -would during the return and feathering motion with a boat oar. Floor space required. 6x5 feet, Each. $30.00 Operated just like rowing SPALDING FRICTION ROWING MACHINE No. 119 No. 119. The means used to produce the resist- ance is a simple friction clutch, which takes instant hold at the commencement of the stroke and retains the prersure till its completion, wrhen it instantly release* it, precisely as in a boat. Qyickly taken apart without loosening any bolts or screws. Each machine is adjust- able to any amount of friction or resistance, Do itot^se oil on friclion cylinder. If Us action iV ttol perfectly smooth a little clear soap rubbeJ on' ih surface will properly correct Us action. Floor space required. 414 feet by 4^4 feet. Complete, $16.00 SPALDING ROWING ATTACHMENTS For u«e with No. S Cbest Weight Machines Particularly suitable for home use. Can be detached from the weight machine quickly and put away in a very small space until the next opportunity for use presents itself. To be used in connection only with chest weights, like Spalding No. 5 (see opposite page) which have ______ center arm adjustment, or with handles rv?5^ , , ~~~ : , j arranged so that they can be pulled from a bracket close to the floor. No.R No. R. Designed to fill the demand for a low priced article of this kind, built along substantial lines. Cives entire satisfaction. Floor space requireA 4}4 feet by 12 inches Complete. $7.50 No. 1, This, attachment, as will be noted, has out-riggers and arms similar to the rowing machine, and offers a great variety of work when used in connection with chest weight. Floor space required, 4 'A feet by 4}4 feet .... Complete. $10.00 liOTE-TlieMiRoVFina Attacbmeiifat. Ncml ] aQiR^an licL^iued only in conneetion with the No. 5 Tries of Che»lWeirf»t Machine PROMPT ATTENTION 6IVEN TO I ANY COMMIWICATIONS ADDHESSEflTftUS A.G.SPALDING &, BROS, STORES IN ALL LARGE CITIES I FOR COMPLETE UST OF STORES SEE INSHIE FRONT COVER OF THIS BOO! Price* IB effect January 5. 1916. Subject to change without notice For Canadian prices see apecial Canadian Catalogne. ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTE m ?^!li Spalding Adjustable Doorway Horizontal Bar requii No. A. The bar itself is made of selected hickory, having steel tubular ends into which iron sockets screvif, holding rubber cushions. The socket on one end contains a left hand thread, on the other end a right hand thread. By fitting the bar in the doorway and turning it with the hands the ends are made to expand, smd the friction applied by the rubber against the sides of the doorway is sufficient to sustain the weight of a heavy man. This bar may be used for chinning exercises, being adjustable to any height, also for abdominal work, as shown by cuts in margin of this page. Size of doorway in which bar will be used must be stated when ordering, as the adjustment is not great enough to meet all requirements in one size bar. .... Each, $4.00 This No. A Bar is supplied regularly to fit any doorway under 33 inches in width. Bars to fit wider doorways Extra, 50c Should not be used in doorways wider than 42 inches. If length larger than 42 inches i» quired, it would be advisable to use a regular horizontal bar. Spalding Doorway Horizontal Bar No. 101. The keys fastened to each end of bar fit in the side sockets, which are secured to door jamb and hold the bar firmly in place. The parts are of malleable iron, very Hghf, yet strong enough to sustain the heaviest man. The bar may be quickly removed when not in use, leaving no projecting part. Complete with parts. $2.00 This No. 101 Bar is supplied regularly to fit any door- way under 37 inches. Bars to fit wider doorways. Extra, 50c Should not be used in doorways wider than 42 inches. If length larger than 42 inches is required, it would be advi»Jit», to use a regular boriiontal bar. Extra sockets for doorway. Pair, 50c With two pairs of sockets bar may be used for either diinning or abdominal exercises. '^MMMIi hi ^ 11 tiaii,toii>tcmt«lpart>e« 1 Spalding Home Gymnasium Combining Swinging Rings, Trapeze, Stirmps, and Swing. Should be in every home where there are growing boys and girls. The nmplest and best form of exercise for them. No. 1. The apparatus is supported by two strong sctew>hooks in the ceiling, about eight- een inches apart It can also be used outof doors. The straps are of extra strong webbing and ad- t'u stable to any desired keight; rings heavily japanned. The appa. ratus can be pot up in any room, and removed in a moment, leaving only two hooks in the ceihng visible. The various combinations can be quickly and easi- ly made. We furnish in addition, a board ad- justable to the stirrups, ih„„i„g Swinging Ring Showing upper part of which forms an excel- or upper portion Apparatus with trapeze «!,„„:„„ lent swing. Complete, of outfit bsrsttached exception ready to put up. $6.00 which . lete outfit ' of trapeze bur supplied raeHPT ATTENTION GIVEN tp AMY COMMUNICATIONS ' ADDRESSED TO 8S A.G.SPALDING & BROS. STORES IN ALL LARGE CITIES FeftCOMPlETEUSTOfl lEE INSIDE FIONTCC OF THIS BOOf Prices io effect Jamiaiy & 1916- Subject tO'cfaaage without aotiGa. For Canad i an prices see fecial C a n ad i a n .^ JS^M Spalding Home Vaultmg Hone^ Spalding IToine FaraOel Bar^ No. I. Fouf legs, telescoping, the inside or extension legs being made of hard wood, with iron hoofs. Body covered with cowhide of the best quality. Oosed pommels, easily detachable. - Complete. $60.00 Spalding Floor Horizontal Bars t \ No. 72. Wrought iron pipe uprights, detachable iron hea^ feet $75« No. 113. 6 feet 8jOO No. 114. 6>i feet 85» No. lis. 7 feet 9.00 Solid Hickory Bars Made of selected aecood growth hickory- No. 116. 4 feet $2.00 No. 117. 4>i feet 2,S« No. 118. 5 feet 2.7S No. 119. 5>ifeet 3-00 No. 120. 6 feet 3J2S No. 121. 6K feet ..... ,^ . 3.30 PIOHninEJmON GIVEN TO m eOMMONICATIOilS A.G.SPALDING & BROS, STORES IN ALL LARGE CITIES FOR COMPLETE UST OF STiHES SEE INSiDE FRONT Gina OFTHISBBOr PrioM IB effect Janury S. 1916. Subject to chuige iritkout notice. For Canadian priees see (pedal Ca n adian Catalo^uo. Start %ritl> tlie boy br maldos Urn take aoifte kind of esetciM. and If b« ii on* tnclmed to do m without nrsinc, pnride huB with uiitaMe appan^oa that ii at the tame time intereatinc. it won't be long before 70a will tee the effect in hi* improTcd physique, and no arcins vrill be necessary Co indoce him to show off bis proweta on swinging rings or trapeze. The boy that » started this way grow* op widi Ibe incUnatioo for athletic exercise that .will keep bint in good health daring the balance of hi* life^ Spalding Adjustable Trapeze and Swinging Rings Furnished complete: everything necessaiy for suspending. The sup- ports are made of extra strong webbing. Perfectly safe under all con- ditions, and with the adjustable buckle, may be adapted to any ceiling from 16 feet down. No. 201. Trapeze. . Each. $3.50 No. 301. G>mplete, with 6-inch Japanned Swinging Rings. ** 3.50 Spalding Wooden Exercising Rings No. 1. Made of three thicknesses of black walnut and maple glued together, with grain crossing Pair, $1.00 No. 2. Made of one piece solid maple, nicely finished. . - ** .75 o o No. 301. AdjustaU* Swinging Rings, Spalding Swinging Rings Made of japanned iron, 6 inches in diameter, inside measurcmenL COMPLETE FOR HOME USE No. 1. With S-foot ropes. . Pair. $3.50 No. 2. Widi 6.foot ropes. . " 3.75 No. 3. With 7.foot ropes. . " 4.00 No, 4. With 8.foot ropes. . " 4.25 Rings, leather covered. $4.00 per pair extra, WITHOUT ROPES AND CLAMPS No. 10. 6-in. Pair. $1.00 No. 20. 8.in. " 1.50 No. 30. lO-in. " 2.00 A JH (l JnSizes mentioned are inside J^ a\ l« jW^measurements. Rings, lea- 11 y V^-4^ '*"*' covered, $4.00 per Spadding Single Trapeze COMPLETE FOR HOME USE Prices, including 8 feet of rope or less. No. 1. 2>i foot bar. Each. $3.00 No. 2. 3 foot bar. - 3.25 Na3. 3K foot bar. ' 3.50 Spalding Trapeze Bars WITHOUT ROPE No. IB. 2^ feet long, bars only. Each. $1.25 No. 2B. 3 feet long, bat? only. Each. $1.50 No. 3B. 3'A feet long, bars only. Each, $1,7& Spalding Mattresses The value of a good mattress- as a preventative of strains and bruises in home exercises is not generally recognized, but it is a fact that in this one feeiture lies their chief value. They are also indispensable as an adjunct to home acro- batics, and in fact, for most any kind of home gymnasium work, they are well nigh indispensable. The mats listed below are designed especially for home use and are recom- mended for that purpose only. Sullied only in iizes and materiah specified. Covered with best No. 10 white duck, filled with two layers of best one-inch hair felt, closely tufted and strongly sewed. Two inches thick. No. 00. Size 3 X 5 feet. Each. $8.00 No. 02. Size 5 x 6 feet Each. $15.00 No. 01. Size 4 X 6 feet. " 12.00 No. 03. Size 5 x 10 feet " 25.00 Speciad Wrestling Mattresses Cover heavy quality duck, closely tufted. 2 inches thick. Complete with corduroy cover to lay ever mat and allow 6-inch margin on all sides. No. WX. Size 12 X 12 feet Each. $90.00 No. WXX. Size 15.^ 15 feet cJ) $135.00 PiMinATTENnOII6tlB«] Aifcomnmicineits^' A.G.SPALDING &, BROS, meMnnEusrpF SHOBiK — eteustpfstdkhI DEfMTCNB 11 S^WfS. Sdb»Mtl»« ;UBSTITUTE THE SPALDING TRADEMARK QUALITY SPALDING HOME GYMNASIUM BOARD A complete gjrmnasium for the home on one board. Floor space required, 3 feet by 2 feet Height, 8 feet. Floor board and staple plate only are attached permanendy. Upper board is held in position by pressure of guy rod and will not mar the wall in the slightest degree. Consists of Board, with attachments for fastening to floor of room. so that walls need not be marred $10.00 Spalding AbdomineJ Masseur. 10.00 No. PR. Spalding Adjustable Disk. Complete with Striking Bag. 7.50 No. 2. Spalding Chest Weight Machine, including ^pair of 5-lb. Dumb Bells. 5.00 Complete, all attached. $32.50 Board itself will be furnished separately if desired. Each. $10.00 As the complete outfit is made up and carried in stock by us, equipped as noted aibove, we cannot supply board with different 2irticles already attached. Spalding Automatic Abdominal Masseur Useful for treatment of constipation, based upon the principle of mus- cular contraction (the force which nature uses). It effectually applies force in the same direction that nature does, and will gradually discard the use of cathartics. A few moments' use each night, before retiring, and in the morning, upon arising, is all that is necessary. Its action upon the liver and stomach is equedly as prompt and effective, and derangements of these organs are speedily remedied Complete, $10.00 Spalding Bar Stall Bench Spalding Leather Covered Shot No, A. For abdominaJ massage. An iron ball, wound with electric tape and then covered with very soft, smooth grade of horse hide. 6 or 8 lbs. weight Each, $5.00 Spalding Bar Stalls No. 20H. Adapted for use in the home;, compact, of simple construction, used for the greatest variety of movements affecting every part of the body, and especially abdomen and chest movements. Erected against waJl, behind door, or any flat surface. 8 feet high, 36 inches wide and extends 6 inches into room. Floor space required, I ft by 2% ft Height, 8 ft. Per section, $8.00 ^^ N'o. 20S. Har4 pine, strong and substantia. Top padded with hair felt, canvas c6vered.j Preferable, for sanitary reaaonSi that canvas be painted (a spe-' cialelastic paint is used), unless specified, stock benches will be so furnished. . Eachw$4.0Q> awmqatig I PROHPT ATTENTION GIVEN TO I ANY COMMUNICATIONS ADDRESSED TO US A. G. SPALDING &. BROS. STORES IN ALL LARGE CITIES FOR COMPLETE LIST OF STOIES SEE INSIDE FRONT COVEI OF THIS BOO! 5. 1916. Subject to change without aotice. For Caiia<)uu> price* te« ipecial Cajoadian Catalogue- StJItUHESPALDINGI^JJTRADE-MARK SPACDING TRADE-MARK INDIAN CLUBS J STAINED HNISH The following clubd bear our Trade-Mark, are made of good material, and are far superior in shape and finish to the best clubs of other makes. Each pair wrapped in paper bag. Model BS — tVeights specified are for each club '4\h Pair. $ .35 * SS.S6 Doz. ?< lb - .40 * J.9^ " 1 lb •• A^-k 4.44 " l>^ lb " SSi^ 5.76 " 2 lb " .70* 7.2/? " 3 lb " .85 * 9J2 " Spalding Exhibition Clubs Handsomely finished in ebonite; fpr exhibition and stage purposes. The clubs are hollow, with large body, and although extremely light, represent a club weighing three pounds or more. No. A. Ebonite finish Peur, $3.50 No, AA. With German silver bemds. . . ** 5.00 Indian Club and Dumb Bell Hangers No.AA No. No. Made of Iron and Nicely Japanned 1. Pair. 15c. ic $1.68 Doz. IM. Mounted on oak strips. Pair, 25c. *jr?.7^Z;c?2. Model BS Savage Bar Bell \ Especially designed by " Dr. Watson L. Savage Model S. Has large pear shaped ends, with a flexible hickory shaft >^-inch in diameter, produc- ing a vibratory exercise similar to that obtained with the French wand. Each, BOcicSS 40 Dos. 0= Spalding Ash Bar Bells ^ K^ No. 2. Selected material, highly polished. — H^ 5 feet long. . EsLch.ASc.i( S4.5^ feet long. Straight grain maple. No. 4. ^'A feet long. I inch diameter. Black black finish. Ea.c\x, I2c. -k SI .20 Doz. finish Each. 15c. -^ i'7.'/^ Z?^lb.BeU8. " 55c^ 5.70 " 2 lb. Bells. Pair. 70c it SJ20 Doz. Spalding Iron Dumb Bells — Made on approved models, nicely bal- anced and finished in black enamel. Sizes 2 to 40 lbs. Pound 6c. ^ 5^:. Ib^ Over 40 lbs. Pound %c. it 6]iic. lb. Bar Bells, weight 25 lbs. or more for complete Bar Bell, supplied regularly with steel handles, length 3 feet between bells , . 12c lb. it lOYiC. lb. Bar Bells, weight 25 lbs. or more for complete Bar Bell, with steel handles, either shorter or longer thzui £ regular length, as noted above. 15c lb. 'A' /J/4f. lb. Prices for Bar Bells, weighing other than above, quoted on application. Quantify prices in italics vnll be aUmced on t5 tt». or more of iron dumb bells or 100 lbs. or more of bar belU. Spalding NickeKPIated Dumb Bells (Niekei-puted and PoUshed) No. 1 N. I lb. Pair. 30c it S324 Doz. No. 3N. 3 lb. Pair. 70c *• $7^ Dot. No.2N. 21b. " SOc.it 5.40 " No. 4N. 4 lb. " 8Sc* 9JS " No. 5N, 5 lb. Pair. $1.00 • SJO.SO Doz. WITH RUfiBER BANDS No. 1 B. I lb. Pair, 50c it S5.40Doz. No 3B. 3 lb. Pair, $1 .00 it SlO.SODog. No 28. 21b. " 75c.'* S.JO " No.4B.41b. " 1.2S* /3S9 " No. SB. 5 lb. Pair, $1.50 • S/6.20 Doz. The prices printed in italics opposite items marked with it tvill beqnoted only on orders (or one-dozen pairs or more on stzes up to one pcund, and Qn Ofie-half dozen pairs or more on sizes cnier one pound in weight Bells, with Rubber Bands Quantity prices will NOT be allowed on items NOT marked vnih it \ ranin ATTENTION GIVEN n ANYGOMMyNICATieNS ' IMJESSEPTdBS A. G. SPALDING & BROS STORES !N ALL LARGE CITIES FetCOMPlETEUSTOFSTOaESl SE INSIDE FBONTCma OF THIS BOM rkke* in effect JmioMy & 19|«w Sul«ect t»cfaM«e ^ For CaniBBW price* wo vpodat C a n a di a n .CataJogaa.' STANDARD QUALITY An article that is universally given the appellation "Standard" is thereby conceded to be the Criterion, to which are compared all other things of a similar nature. For instance, the Gold Dollar of the United States is the Standard unit ol currency, because it must legally contain a specific proportion of pure gold, and the fact of its being Genuine i» guaranleed by the Government Stamp thereon. As a protection to the users of this currency against counterfeiting and other tricks, considerable money is expended in maintaining a Secret Service Bureau of Experts. Under the law. citizen manufacturers must depend to a great extent upon Trade-Marks and similar devices to protect themselves against coun> lerfeit products — vyithout the aid of "Government Detectives" or "Public Opinion" to assist them. Consequently the "Consumer's Protection" against misrepresentation and "inferior quality" rests entirely upon the integrity and responsibility of the "Manufacturer." A. G. Spalding & Bros. have, by their rigorous attention to "Quality," for forty years, caused their Trade-Mark to become known throughout the world as a Guarantee of Quality as dependable in their field as the U. S. Currency is in its field. The necessity of upholding the guarantee of the Spalding Trade-Mark and maintaining the Stemdard Quality of their Athletic Goods, is, therefore, as obvious as is the necessity of the Government in maintaining a Standard Currency. Thus each consumer is not only insuring himself but also protecting other consumers when he assists a Reliable Manufacturer in upholding his Trade-Mark and all that it stands for. Therefore, we urge all users of our Athletic Goods to assist us in maintaining the Spalding Standard of Elxcellence, by insisting that our Trade-Mark be plainly stamped on all athletic goods which they buy, because without this precaution our best efforts towards' maintaining Standard Quality and preventing fraudulent substitution will be ineffectual. Manufacturers of Standard Articles invariably suffer the reputation of being high-priced, and this sentiment is fostered and emphasized by makers of "inferior goods," with whom low prices are the main consideration. A manufacturer of recognized Standard Goods, with a reputation to uphold and a guarantee to protect, must nece*. sarily have higher prices than a manufacturer of cheap goods, whose idea of and basis of a claim for Standard Quality depends principally upon the eloquence of the salesman. ^y^ -^ We know from experience that there is no quicksand more unstable ^^^5^^--^;^^^ •^ "* ^>^ than poverty in quality — and we avoid this quicksand by Standard Quality. ^^V, f^ <^^^^^^^*^^^ ^^^^4^C^- STANDARD POLICY A Standard Quality must be inseparably linked to a Standard Policy. e i , /% i- Without a definite and Standard Mercantile Policy, it is impossible for a Manufacturer to long mamtam a Standard Quality- To market his goods through the jobber, a manufacturer must provide a profit for the jobber as well as for the retail dealer. To meet these conditions of Dual Profits, the manufacturer is obliged to set.a proportionately high list price aa. hia goods to the consumer. i . l ll j i To enable the glib salesman, when booking his orders, to figure out attractive profits to both the jobber and retailer^ ihese^'high list prices are absolutely essential; but their real purpose will have been served when the manufacturer ha» secured his order from the jobber, and the jobber has secured his order from the retailer. However, these deceptive high list prices are not fair to the consumer, who does not, and, m reality, is not ever expected to pay these fancy list prices. , i ,. i -i When the season opens for the sale of such goods, with their misleading but alluring high list prices, the_retailer begins to realize his responsibilities, and grapples with the situation as best he can, by offering "special discounts," which vary with local trade conditions. Under this system of merchandising, the profits to both the manufacturer and the Jobber are assured-, _but as there la no stability maintained in the prices to the consumer, the keen competition amongst the local dealers invariably leads to a demoralized cutting of prices by which the profits of the retailer are practically eliminated. This demoralization always reacts on the manufacturer. The jobber insists on lower, and still lower, prices. The manufacturer, in his turn, meets this demand for the lowering of prices by the only way open to him. viz.: the cheapenhtg and degrading of the quality of his product. . r> , The foregoing conditions became so intolerable that,'Il7 years ago, in 1899, A.G. Spalding & Bros, determined to rectify this demoralization in the Athletic Goods Trade, and inaugurated what has since become known as "The Spalding Policy. The "Spalding Policy" eliminates the jobber entirely, so far as Spalding Goods are concerned, and the retail dealer secures the supply of Spalding Athletic Goods direct from the manufacturer by which the retail dealer is assured a fair, legitimate and certain profit on all Spalding Athletic Goods, and the consumer is assured a Standard Quality and w protected from imposition. i , /- i The "Spalding Policy" is decidedly for the interest and protection of the users of Athletic Goods, and acts in two ways: FIRST.— The user is assured of genuine OfBcial Standard Athletic Goods. SECOND.— As manufacturers, we can proceed with confidence in purchasinir at the proper time, the vefy best raw materials required in ihe manufacture of our various goods, well ahead of their respective seasons, and this enables us to pro> ride the necessary quantity and absolutely maintain the Spalding Standard of Quality. All retail dealers handling Spalding Athletic Goods are requested to supply consumers at our regular printed catalogue prices— neither more nor less — the same prices that similar goods are sold for in our New York, Chicago and other stores. All Spalding dealers, as well hs users of Spalding Athletic Goods, are treated exactly- alike, and no special rebates or discriminations are allowed to anyone. This, briefly, is the "Spalding Policy," which has already been in successful operation for the past 1 7 years, and wiB be indefinitely continued. In other words, "The Spalding Policy" is a "square deal" for everybody. A. G. SPALDING & BROS. LIBRPRY ATHLETIC 1/ A separate book covers every Athletic Sport and is Official and Standard Price 10 cents each GRAND PRIZE l^^mt PARI S , 1900 ,T.L0U^1904 W Jb^urTL JU JLI 1 iN VJ PARIS, 1900 ATHLETIC GOODS ARE THE STANDARD OF THE WORLD A. G. Spalding ® Bros. MAINTAIN WHOLESALE RETAIL STORES NEW YORK CHICAGO ST.LOULS BOSTON MILWAUKEE KANSAS CITY PHILADELPHIA DETROIT SAN FRANCISCO NEWARK CINCINNATI LOS ANGELES ALBANY CLEVELAND SEATTLE BUFFALO COLUMBUS SALT LAKE CITY SYRACUSE ROCHESTER INDIANAPOLIS PORTLAND BALTIMORE WASHINGTON PITTSBURGH MINNEAPOLIS LONDON, ENGLAND ATLANTA ST PAUL LIVERPOOL. ENGLAND LOUISVILLE DENVER BIRMINGHAM. ENGLAND NEW ORLEANS DALLAS MANCHESTER. ENGLAND MONTREAL. CANADA BRISTOL. ENGLAND J TORONTO. CANADA EDINBURGH. SCOTLAND ^ PARIS, FRANCE GTASGnw srOTI.ATsrn SYDNEY. AUSTRALIA 'K A.G.Spaldi NEW^YORK CBICACO SABT FRANCTSCO CHBICOPEE. MASS. BROOHLYN BOSTON ^ PBIIiADELPHIA JiONDON, ENG.