THE PHYSICAL TRAINING OF THE WELL-TO-DO CLASSES IN ENGLAND.
Pro VIE EDITOR Or TILE SrEurATOIL"1
Sin,—May I venture to differ with Mr. T. C. Horsfall in his assertion (Spectator, May 27th) that the boys of the middle and upper classes in Germany are of superior physique to those of similar rank in England ? I have had considerable professional experience in studying the physique of the various nationalities in Europe, and I am of opinion that in no country does the physical standard reach that attained by the boys of the large public schools in this country. It is true that the Germans often have, or seem to have, a larger chest development ; but this is largely owing to the great amount of physical exercise which they receive upon gymnastic apparatus. This, by developing the pectoral and scapular muscles of the chest and back, gives a larger measurement ; but the lung capacity is not at all benefited by this practice, but rather the reverse. The ideal physical man should, in my opinion, be a mobile animal in which activity and endurance should be the leading factors, and one of the best methods to attain this result is the practice of outdoor games. The Germans, as far as their physique is concerned, are not a mobile race. They do not excel at games, they" fall into flesh" sooner than Englishmen, and much of their apparent physical development may be traced to the padding which their tailors introduce into their garments. I agree with Mr. Horsfall that co-ordination of mind and muscle, decision of mind, prompti- tude of action, and physical courage can all be obtained by the practice of certain feats in the gymnasium ; but in order to obtain these a heavy muscular tissue is not necessary. The development should come from within, necessitating large demands upon the respiratory and nervous systems : a sufficient muscular development will follow.—I am, Sir, &c.,
Principal, Southport Physical Training College. York Road, Southport.
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