The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1860-07-27
THE BEST PHYSICAL EXERCISE.

After all the inventions, erections and
temporary eulogising Of the gymnasium
after the costly experiment, for time, Of
horseback riding, nincpin rolling, and other
games-after the novelty of military drill.
ing, too exacting on tbestime and purse of
the student, too starchcd and mechanical
in the style Of carriage it gives, and too
demo'azing in its associations after all
devices, the>wise man comes back to the
simple thing Of walking. In the old beaten
track the man of perfect health and physi-
cal development hale and hearty, holds on
the even tenor of his way, till staff in hand
he steps into his grave. The history oflhis
branch of education is most instructive.
The empirical Greeks, especially the dreamy
among their philosophers, first introduced
gymnastics. The end sought by these ex-
ercises was not one practical with US. The
men were to fight hand to hand, and the
gymnastics Of the Greeks seemed to be
adapted 10 train men TO this mode Of COM
bat. Diodorus, however, the Roman his
tor'an, in the Augustan ago writes from
Egypt; They thiulS that from daily GYM
as''cs in the p"la,lra, youth will gain not
sound vigour, but only a,emporary strength
and that at great risk Of injury 1t was
not, then, from Egypt that Pythagoras and
Plato brought gymnastics and when the;
had introduced them into their schools the
practical followers Of Aristotle SO preferred
the round about-town ramblo for physical
culture, that they received that name Of
'Peripatetics,' while the ultra conservative
stoics were satisfied with 1romenading and
lounging upon their porticos.
1t is refreshing, almost invigcra,inc in
ITSELF to the robust. t.reripatet;c Of our day,
painting and swelling with The thrill Of his
morning and evening walk, running through
every fibre OF lis flame, Just to think of,he
men that that have preceded lin in this
line which lie Las marked ou. for himself.
lie is the companion Of Abraham, ranl-
ling over the hills Of Palestine, Of Jeaus,
walking two miles out Of Jerusalem every
night and back in the morning, of Paul.
'mindins himself 10 go afoot;' and he is
tue fellow partaker with lorg line Of men
in secular life, nlostmastcrly in their power
Of mind in every age and land, because the
framework Of minds mighty enginery has
been kept in its strength BY tie renovation
of walking.
1t is Instructive 10 the educator, when
travelling in Europe, TO observe the students
In the German universities spending their
summer vacations in tramps among the
APPS, with their knapsacks on their backs,
their =. stout shoes on their feet, and
strong slaves in their hands; gaining thus
avigenr and hellh which is kept up during
the severe tasks Of their session of study by
evening promenades on the shady walks
around most Of the cities Of Europe. In
fact; all experience shows that, while other
:. resorts may be valuable as temporary re.
storaiiyess, the location of an institution of
learning where long and pleasant walks are
not possible, bn. BY. necessary, with the aadi.
ton Of covered promenade for inclemcnt
weather, is the best provision for physical
edueation.-[ Dr.. Samson.