This leap is the most useful, being applicable almost everywhere; and
particularly in a country intersected with small rivers, ditches, &c.
It should be first practised over a ditch about three feet deep, eight
feet broad at one end, and about twenty-one feet at the other, and of
any convenient length. In this exercise, the pole should be rather
stronger and longer than in the preceding one--depending, however, on
the length of the leap, and the height of the bank it is made from. The
usual length is from ten to thirteen feet.
The handling of the pole is the same as in the high leap. The
preparatory run is rapid, in proportion to the length of the leap. The
spring takes place as in the preceding exercise. The swing is also
the same, except that the curve of the leap is wider. The turning of
the body may likewise be similar, but it is convenient to make only
a quarter turn. In the descent, the hand presses more upon the pole;
and the feet are stretched out to reach the opposite bank, as in Plate
XIII. fig. 1, in which the leaper is descending. Another method of
leaping a river, is to force the body up so high by the pressure of the
hands (of which one rests upon the end of the pole, or very near it),
as to swing over the top of the pole, and allow it to pass between the
legs when descending. (Plate XIII. fig. 2.)
[Illustration: _Plate XII_
_Page 54._