An Enjoyable and Healthy Recreation, not too difficult to acquire - Beneficial Effects of Fencing The Necessary Equipment - How to Hold the Foil

Of late years fencing for women has been steadily growing in popularity, and for those who have time to practise the art, few more suitable exercises could be recommended. To become an expert in the use of the foils the expenditure of a great deal of time is necessary; but very fair proficiency may be gained, quite sufficient to make the exercise most enjoyable, and plenty of physical training acquired by giving to foil play no more of one's leisure than would be devoted to some other recreation. The training is particularly beneficial if the fencer learns to use her left arm equally with the right. To this latter it is a pity that many fencers do not devote more attention, for the exclusive use of the right arm is liable to bring about an inequality of development, which does not make for the highest expression of womanly grace and beauty of figure.

A special equipment is necessary, and in no circumstances should fencing practice take place, even in fun, without this equipment being donned. Although this will generally be available at the school of arms or gymnasium, the fencer may desire to have it as her own property. The necessary costume will, of course, be her own. This consists of a closely-fitting shirt or upper garment, knickerbockers, fastening below the knee (fencing in long skirts is an impossibility), with a short, light skirt above, stockings and shoes. If the last have felt soles they will be improved. Their cost would be about half-a-sovereign. The equipment is a little expensive, but its wear will extend over a lengthy period. A wire mask is imperative, to save the face from all fear of injury, the eyes in particular. When purchasing, test the soundness of the wire meshing for possible flaws or imperfections arising out of long storage in theshop. An injury to the eyes, resulting from the mask giving way before the force of an unparried thrust, is the last thing desired. Such an accident, however, is of the rarest occurrence, and need never happen at all it precautions be taken. The cost of a pair of masks will run from six shillings to twice as much.

Correct position for the "Salute" sport and General Illus. Co.