HOW TO FENCE.

CONTAINING

FULL INSTRUCTION

FOR

FENCING

AND THE

USE OF THE BROADSWORD;

ALSO

INSTRUCTION IN ARCHERY,

DESCRIBED WITH

TWENTY-ONE PRACTICAL

ILLUSTRATIONS.

A COMPLETE BOOK.

New York:

FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher,

34 and 36 North Moore Street.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1884, by

FRANK TOUSEY,

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

How to Fence
Broadsword Exercise
Archery
Hurdle Racing
Vaulting with Pole, or Pole-Leaping
Throwing the Hammer
Putting the Shot

HOW TO FENCE.

Fencing is the art of using the small-sword, or rapier. The small-sword has a straight blade, about thirty-two inches in length outside the guard, and is fashioned for thrusting only. Although it is an art of the greatest antiquity, very great improvements have been made in it during the last half-century, chiefly by French masters, who excel those of all other countries. This has been attributed to various causes; by some to the agility and acknowledged power of rapid physical action possessed by this nation; by others, to their natural vivacity and mental quickness. In my opinion, however, a more direct and powerful cause may be traced in the great encouragement and universal patronage which it has ever received from every grade of a chivalrous and military people. Every regiment has its maitre d'armes, and every barrack its fencing-school. Indeed, in so important a light was the proper teaching of this art held, that one of the French kings (Louis XIV.) granted letters-patent to twenty eminent masters, who alone were permitted to teach in Paris. When a vacancy occurred, no interest and no favor could enable a candidate to obtain this privilege: he had to fence in public with six of these chosen masters, and if by any of them he was beaten by two distinct hits, he was considered unqualified to teach in the capital.

Independent of its value as the scientific use of the sword—the gentleman's weapon of defense, par excellence—fencing stands unrivaled as an exercise; and it is in this sense that it will now be treated. The most eminent physicians which this country have produced, have all, in the most earnest manner, recommended it to the attention of the young. Thus, Dr. Clive says:

"Muscular exertion is essential in perfecting the form of the body, and those exercises which require the exercise of the greatest number of muscles are the most conducive to this end. Fencing causes more muscles to act at the same time than most other exercises. It promotes the expansion of the chest, and improves respiration, whereby the functions of the most important organs of the body are more perfectly performed."

Sir Anthony Carlisle uses similar language:

"According to my judgment, the exercise of fencing tends to promote bodily health, and the development of athletic powers. It is likewise apparent that the attitudes and exertions of fencing are conducive to the manly forms and muscular energies of the human figure."

Again, Sir Everard Home, in still stronger terms:

"Of all the different modes in which the body can be exercised, there is none, in my judgment, that is capable of giving strength and velocity, as well as precision, to the action of all the voluntary muscles of the body in an equal degree as the practice of fencing, and none more conducive to bodily health."

I shall give one more extract from another physician of equal eminence, Dr. Babbington:

"I am of opinion that, in addition to the amusement which this exercise (fencing) affords, it is particularly calculated to excite in young persons a greater degree of energy and circumspection than they might otherwise possess; and it is obvious that, in respect of health, that mode of exertion is superior to all others, which, while it gives motion and activity to every part of the body, produces at the same time corresponding interest in the mind."

Sir John Sinclair, Dr. Pemberton, &c., speak in terms equally recommendatory.

To avoid all danger in the lessons and practice, foils are substituted for real swords. Strong wire masks are worn on the face, a well-padded glove on the hand; and the upper part of the body, at which alone the thrusts are aimed, is protected by a strong jacket, the right side and collar of which should be of leather.

The first movement a beginner has to learn, is the manner of placing himself in the position called

THE GUARD.

It is from this position that all movements are made, whether offensive or defensive. Let the beginner be placed with his knees straight, his feet at right angles, heel to heel; the right foot, right side, and face directed to the master. The body must be held upright and firm, the arms hanging down by the side, but easily and without constraint, the left hand holding the foil a few inches beneath its guard. Next, let him bring the right hand across the body, and seize the foil-handle; by a second movement, bring the foil above the head, the hands separating as they ascend, until both arms be nearly extended upwards and outwards. Here pause. This may be called the first position of the Guard.

These movements should be frequently practiced, as they accustom the arms to move independently of the body, flatten the joints of the shoulders, and give prominence to the chest.

To arrive at the second position of the Guard, the right arm, with the foil, is brought down to the front, until the right elbow is a little above and in advance of the waist; the fore-arm and foil sloping upwards; the point of the foil being the height of the upper part of the face; then, by a second movement, the learner must sink