The first attempt of the beginner is to walk, and this walk shortly
becomes a sliding gait, done entirely on the inside edge of the skate.
The first impulse is to be gained by pressing the inside edge of one
skate against the ice, and advancing with the opposite foot. To effect
this, the beginner must bring the feet nearly together, turn the left
somewhat out, place the right a little in advance and at right angles
with it, lean forward with the right shoulder, and at the same time
move the right foot onwards, and press sharply, or strike the ice with
the inside edge of the left skate,--care being taken instantly to
throw the weight on the right foot. (Plate XIX. fig. 1.) While thus in
motion, the skater must bring up the left foot nearly to a level with
the other, and may for the present proceed a short way on both feet.
He must next place the left foot in advance in its turn, bring the left
shoulder forward, inclining to that side, strike from the inside edge
of the right skate, and proceed as before.
Finally, this motion has only to be repeated on each foot alternately,
gradually keeping the foot from which he struck longer off the ice,
till he has gained sufficient command of himself to keep it off
altogether, and is able to strike directly from one to the other,
without at any time having them both on the ice together. Having
practised this till he has gained some degree of firmness and power,
and a command of his balance, he may proceed to