[To TRH EDITOR OF THE "BPEOTAT0R.1
Sin,—The discussion on the different methods of physical training given in the normal Public Schools of England and Germany, and on their effect on the general development of the students, as treated by two correspondents in your issue of June 24th, started a retrospective train of thoughts in my brain. I have been through both an English public school and a German gymnasium, and judging from the effect on my own person of their athletic exercises, it would appear that the German method produces a square-shouldered, muscular, tall man, such as is mentioned by Mr. Horsfall, but that it is the English method which gives you the tough, wiry, self-reliant man who can stand almost any climate and still remain energetic. My belief is that games, such as hare-and-hounds, football, and cricket, develop agility, skill, and powers of endurance on one side, and on the other self -reliance and initiative, also that 14rain and muscle co-operate and are developed interdependently by them. The result seems to be a clear-headed, lithe, and long- winded, but often inelegant and loosely knit man. The Germans have, I think, no such national games, but com- prise, in the curricula of their gymnasia, gymnastics and military drill exercises. These appear to straighten out the frame, to broaden the chest, and. to lend an elegance of poise to the body which passes for litheness. They attain muscular, development and height, also some skill and agility, but in no way do they develop powers of endurance. Again, they create neither self-reliance nor initiative, nor, again, the co-operation of brain and muscle, to anything like the same extent as our time-honoured games do when properly played. As an example of the different styles of men produced, I will add that I have never met an authentic German " cowboy ," but I have met German " loggers " and backwoodsmen. In both cases there is no lack of courage, skill, and strength, but the difference between the two is palpable.—I am, Sir, &c., R. C. R.
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