Balancing is the art of preserving the stability of the body upon a
narrow or a moving surface. The balancing bar consists of a round
and tapering pole, supported horizontally, about three feet from
the ground, by upright posts, one at its thicker extremity, and
another about the middle, between the parts of which it may be raised
or lowered by means of an iron peg passing through holes in their
sides. The unsupported end of the bar wavers, of course, when stepped
upon--(Plate XIV.)
The upper surface of the bar being smooth in dry weather, the soles of
the shoes should be damped; the ground about the bar should consist of
sand, and the exercises be cautiously performed.
[Illustration: _Plate XIV_
_Page 57._