Here neither the preparatory run nor the spring occur: there is nothing
which requires the exertion of the lower members. The use of the
hands and arms, however, is peculiarly requisite, as well as a little
of the art of balancing. The leaper fixes the pole, at a convenient
distance from the place where he stands, in a chasm, ditch, or river,
having one bank high, and the opposite one low. Seizing it with both
hands in the usual way, he slips along it lower and lower; the whole
weight of his body, at last, resting upon it. Thus, if the depth is
considerable, as two lengths of the body, he may slide so far down
upon it, that his head appears slanting downward. In this position,
he makes a slight push against the bank, or merely quits it, with his
feet, which he swings by the side of the pole to the opposite bank.
Here, also, the descent is performed upon the balls of the toes, with
bending of the knees. The principal advantage in this leap lies in the
art of supporting the body, without tottering; and for this purpose, it
is absolutely necessary that the feet should be stretched out far from
each other, in an angular form, otherwise the balance might be lost.
The best way of practising this in an exercise ground, is by a flight
of steps.
To the exercise of the abdominal members, these leaps unite a strong
action of the muscles of the thorax, arms, and fore-arms, and even
of those of the palms of the hand. The body is only half impelled
by the abdominal members; but this impulse is rendered complete by
considerable effort on the part of the thoracic members. The latter,
in the vertical leap, being supported by the narrow and moveable base
afforded by the pole, assist greatly in raising the body, and even keep
it a moment suspended for the legs to pass over (if the object to be
cleared is very high) before it allows the body to obey the force of
gravity which carries it down.
This exercise communicates what is termed great lightness to the body,
and great suppleness--that is to say, great relative strength of the
abdominal members; and it also developes the superior members. It is
good for lymphatic temperaments and young persons, but it should not
be indulged in immediately after meals. It may occasion accidents of
the brain and spinal marrow, unless all the articulations are bent on
returning to the ground.