buoyant spirit. It must never be allowed to degenerate into a dull and lifeless routine.

See that the air of the school-room is pure before taking up any exercise. Neither teacher nor pupils can work to advan

tage in a vitiated atmosphere.

In conducting the drill, GIVE BUT ONE COMMAND AT A TIME; and NEVER GIVE A SECOND TILL THE FIRST IS OBEYED.

I. Sitting Position.

1. Rest the feet fully on the floor, forming an angle of sixty degrees.

2. Sit (not lean) as far back in the seat as possible; supporting the lower part of the spine against the back of the chair.

SITTING POSITION.

3. Knees bent nearly at a right angle.

4. Body square to the front. 5. Chest expanded.

6. Hands fall easily in the lap, little fingers downward. 7. Shoulders square.

8. Shoulder-blades flat.

9. Head erect; not tipped in either direction.

10. Chin slightly drawn in. 11. Raise the form to the full height.

12. Poise the body slightly forward.

14. Ear, shoulder, and hip in line.

These particulars should be taught carefully, one at a time. After they are once learned, it is sufficient for the teacher to give simply the words of command, which should be obeyed with military promptness.

This position should be frequently practised as an exercise; but pupils should be required to remain in it only a few minutes at a time. The younger the scholars, the oftener should they be allowed to change their position.

Words of command: READY!

- POSITION!

II. Poise forward and back.

First. Incline slowly forward thirty degrees, or till touching

the desk in front, without

accustom the pupil to incline the body forward or backward without contracting the chest, thus allowing the breathing and vocal organs freedom of action.

Words of command: POISE FORWARD! WARD!-POSITION.

III. Position of Rest

Easily relax the muscles and lean against the back of the chair.

In conducting physical exercises, whenever the teacher's attention is diverted from the class as a whole, to give instruction to individuals, or for any other purpose, the class should be directed to "rest." This position is also that of passive attention.

Any other posture which is graceful and favorable to health may be substituted for this. But awkward or unhealthful attitudes should not. be permitted in the school-room.

Word of comniand: REST!

POSITION OF REST.

IV. Position of Attention.

Poise the body slightly forward, and rest the fore-arms lightly on the desk, supporting the book with both hands. Incline the book backward about thirty degrees.

In case the pupils have no desks, the book is held as in the "Reading Position," with one or both hands at intervals. Frequent opportunities for rest must be allowed when there is no support for the arms.

This position is required in concert-reading when practised

with the pupils seated; and it is the posture of attention for the class during the reading of the teacher, and of single pupils. Words of command: TAKE THE BOOKS! - ATTENTION !

STANDING POSITION.

V. Standing Position.

1. Heels in a line, and together.

2. Feet turned equally outward, forming an angle of sixty degrees.

3. Knees straight.

4. Body square to the front.

5. Chest expanded and advanced, but without constraint.

6. Arms hang easily at the side.
7. Shoulders equal height.

8. Shoulder-blades flat.

9. Head erect, raised at the crown,

not tipped in any direction.

10. Chin slightly drawn in.

11. Form raised to the full height.

12. Body poised slightly forward, so that the weight bears mainly on the ball of the foot.

13. Eyes straight to the front. 14. Whole figure in such a position that the ear, shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle are all in a line.

The position as a whole gives the impression of graceful ease combined with firmness and self-respect.

Many individuals are unable to fulfil all these conditions in their first efforts. They must perseveringly practice day by day, in connection with the exercises given subsequently, until they have overcome the difficulties.

No pains should be spared to get this position exactly; and the pupil should be required to observe its main points whenever he stands to read or recite, in order to establish as a habit an erect and dignified carriage of the body.

Weak children need to be particularly cautioned against stooping the shoulders, contracting the chest, making the back too hollow, and drooping the head.

Words of command: PREPARE TO STAND!
-STAND! POSITION!

VI. Foise forward and backward.

First. Carry the weight of the body as far forward as possible, without lifting the heels or bending the spine. The ankle joint yields, but the other joints remain inflexible.

Second. Return steadily to position.

Third. Carry the weight of the body as far back as possible, so as to bear mainly on the heels, but without lifting the toes. Spine and joints inflexible.

Fourth. Return steadily to position. Four counts to each movement. This strengthens the muscles which sustain the body in a standing position, and gives firmness upon the feet.

Words of command: POISE FORWARD! -POSITION!-BACKWARD!- POSITION!

VII. Holding the Book for reading.

READER'S POSITION.

SPEAKER'S POSITION.

Hold the book open in the left hand, with three fingers beneath it, and the thumb and little finger above, to keep the leaf down.

Advance the elbow a few inches, and raise the fore-arm from thirty to forty-five degrees, so as to secure perfect vision without bending the neck or body.

If necessary, depress the plane of the book so as not to hide the face.

The eye must be trained to catch the words in advance of the utterance; so that the reader can look off the book occasionally. Looking down too much upon the page causes the voice to be directed to the book, instead of being sent out into the room.

VIII. Speaker's Position.

Throw the weight of the body firmly on the left foot, and advance the right foot about three inches, allowing it to rest lightly, with the knee a little bent.

Reverse this position by throwing the weight on the right foot, and leaving the left easily advanced.

A line dropped through the front of the neck will fall on the instep of the supporting foot. A line drawn lengthwise through the centre of the advanced foot passes through the heel of the other.

Words of command: SPEAKER'S POSITION, RIGHT FOOT!

WEIGHT ON THE
ON THE LEFT!