The energy is more equally distributed among the muscles, and the faculties are more evenly called out. Every fibre is in motion, every muscle contracts and expands, yet the weariness that comes with all exertion is so perfectly distributed that the sweat starts and the arm or leg becomes numb before there is a distinct realization of fatigue. At any moment one can stop for breath, or to rest. Nicolas, of the Fencers' Club in this city, that the eye should be always fixed on the hand and the wrist holding the opponent's sword. The combinations of false moves and thrusts, of turns of the wrist, and of brusk attacks on the enemy's sword, form the intellectual enjoyment of fencing, which leads its admirers to rank it near chess and whist in respect to its intricate nature and the need in it of a use of brains.
Tall men fight with short men at a very small advantage, and the older with the younger.
Boys of 14 can be soon taught to more than hold their own with the ordinary fencer who works for exercise rather than making points. The energetic use of the legs in fencing makes it the great exercise for men and boys who have to stick to their offices, desks, or school benches the greater part of the day. What puts the final touch on the advantages of fencing during the cold months in a place like New-York is the rapidity with which the exercise can be taken. An hour is enough to undress, put on the fencing clothes, enjoy all the exercise one can support, bathe, and dress again. It takes less time than any other exercise, because it is concentrated energy exerted evenly, and tiring every part of the body alike.