How to fence

CONTAINING FULL INSTRUCTION FOR FENCING AND THE USE OF THE BROADSWORD; ALSO INSTRUCTION IN ARCHERY, DESCRIBED WITH TWENTY-ONE PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS.
A COMPLETE BOOK.
New York: FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore Street.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1884, by FRANK TOUSEY, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C.

Fencing is the art of using the small-sword, or rapier. The small-sword has a straight blade, about thirty-two inches in length outside the guard, and is fashioned for thrusting only. Although it is an art of the greatest antiquity, very great improvements have been made in it during the last half-century, chiefly by French masters, who excel those of all other countries. This has been attributed to various causes; by some to the agility and acknowledged power of rapid physical action possessed by this nation; by others, to their natural vivacity and mental quickness. In my opinion, however, a more direct and powerful cause may be traced in the great encouragement and universal patronage which it has ever received from every grade of a chivalrous and military people. Every regiment has its maitre d'armes , and every barrack its fencing-school. Indeed, in so important a light was the proper teaching of this art held, that one of the French kings (Louis XIV.) granted letters-patent to twenty eminent masters, who alone were permitted to teach in Paris. When a vacancy occurred, no interest and no favor could enable a candidate to obtain this privilege: he had to fence in public with six of these chosen masters, and if by any of them he was beaten by two distinct hits, he was considered unqualified to teach in the capital.
Independent of its value as the scientific use of the sword—the gentleman's weapon of defense, par excellence —fencing stands unrivaled as an exercise ; and it is in this sense that it will now be treated. The most eminent physicians which this country have produced, have all, in the most earnest manner, recommended it to the attention of the young. Thus, Dr. Clive says: