instructed is apparent; for, as Cyclos has well observed, "To see really good skating is the best teaching; but as a general rule that is only to be seen in the larger cities, where the greater field of emulation has produced it. Country skaters from never seeing it are not even aware of what can be done on skates." This is undoubtedly the case.

There are, moreover, very few skaters of any pretensions at all, in this country at least, among the lower classes, as we have often noticed on the ice, notwithstanding that as a class they excel in most of the manly exercises, and in rapid skating or running are expert. Yet, when we come to figure-skating, we shall not fear contradiction when we assert that the most graceful and finished skaters come from the better educated, or the middle and upper classes, the clergy and military, and gentlemen belonging to any of the higher professions, being at the top of the scale; very few of the lower class, as we descend the social scale, knowing more than to "go ahead;" and when one of these worthies reads the doings on the ice in the daily papers, he doubtless gets somewhat mystified with waltzes, quadrilles, polkas, serpents, pedlar's acres, and birds of every description, as well he might, and small blame to him.

It is, of course, a great advantage to begin to learn to skate when very young, and get over the tumbling when tumbles don't break bones. But a child can be taught little more than forward

skating. In advancing boyhood we may attain the outside edge and rudimentary figures; but our united experience tells us, that it wants the full muscular development of the grown man to become a first-rate figure skater. Therefore let no one think he is too old within reasonable limits to learn the art. A friend of one of the writers, who did not put on a pair of skates until he was thirty years of age, became, by dint of perseverance, a very fair figure-skater.

In concluding our remarks, we would observe that there is such a strong desire to develop the theory into practice that the learner will find a sprinkling of venerable skaters on every favourite resort. Therefore we have no need to urge him to learn, for it is quite true of this art what a brother writer has said, "Non-skaters have no idea of the fascination," &c.

We, however, add this advice: the exercise is severe; it searches out every nook and cranny that contains a muscle in that most marvellously animated machine, responsible man, who, fearfully and wonderfully made as he is, must guard against sudden chills, and by a generous yet simple diet, and slight walking exercise, keep himself in good "condition" by such a mild course of training, for it is only when in such that the full glories of this splendid exercise can be appreciated.

CHAPTER III.

GENERAL DIRECTIONS.

SKATING, then, is the art of balancing the body and propelling it over the surface of ice by the action of the feet, when fitted with a pair of one of the various kinds of skates we shall presently describe, which enable the skilful wearer to travel forwards or backwards at a slow or rapid velocity, or to describe a variety of arcs, circles, spirals, serpentines, and other figures and letters in either direction, and either singly or in combination with other skaters.

Our art, when thus highly elaborated, is called "figure-skating," or "figuring," for the reasons we have already stated in the “History ;" and it is that elevated branch which is treated of in this work.

Should the adept condescend to peruse it, we can only hope to recall pleasurable reminiscences of difficulties surmounted, and to set before him others with which he may be unacquainted. He who is less advanced, yet able to skate tolerably well, will, we trust, derive no little amusement and instruction from practising the combined figures,

This very

which will be found fully described. sociable and agreeable arrangement of figures is well worthy to be much better known, because it so greatly improves the style of the skater, and shows him, good skater as perhaps he may have considered himself when skating singly, how deficient he is in that accuracy of movement which is the test of his really possessing the command of his skates. From a course of combined figureskating, he receives a polish and finish that can be attained in no other way, and is prepared to persevere with and overcome the greatest difficulties.

But it is mainly for the beginner that this work is written, in order to teach him how to set about learning this art thoroughly, taking him gradually from the simple to the most difficult movements, giving him a set of general directions to which he may resort for information as to attitude, and the application of the impulse and momentum obtainable, &c., and superadding additional information when the description of each movement requires it. Therefore it is imperative thoroughly to acquire the information contained in the general directions in order that such may be practically carried out on the ice; and it would be well, if possible, to turn the information so acquired to good account by practising with a pair of mechanical skates with wheels in a room, preparatory to studying the "real thing" on the ice, as on such preliminary knowledge will the progress depend.

How many thousands of youths are annually upon the ice who, although anxious to progress, are quite ignorant of the means they should adopt in order to place themselves in attitude, &c.! Their desire to learn enables them to effect some progress, but this is generally in a wrong direction; and being without a guide to direct their steps, they frequently acquire bad habits that years of sound practice will hardly eradicate.

Now there are certain characteristics in each skater partaking most strongly of the temperament of the man. All cannot be gifted with the "poetry of motion," which imparts such charming grace. Those who are the fortunate possessors of it will certainly find the path to success a shorter one than those who have it not. But the latter must redouble their efforts to try what careful practice will do in eradicating anything that is ungainly, inelegant, and awkward.

As may be supposed from the preface, we shall not follow the well-beaten track of other authors who have written upon skating, as to what ought to be learnt in succession. Our pupil will have to go from the simple to the most complex and difficult figures upon a systematic plan, and in doing this we have already boldly claimed for the inside edge an honourable place in the system, and in order to make it serviceable have given it an attitude which brings it very near in appearance to the outside. Of course we can hardly hope to