Cut another two-by-four two feet long, taper it as shown in [Fig. 264], making it two inches thick on one edge and an inch and a quarter on the other, and nail it to one end of the platform. Secure a log two feet long (a cedar fence post will do very nicely), and fasten it across the centre of the platform parallel to the two-by-fours. The upper portion of the spring-board should be made of elastic boards, preferably ash. Construct a second platform six inches longer than the first, leaving about one-half inch between the boards, and battening the pieces together at A and B (see [Fig. 263]). Nail the battens securely in place, using nails of sufficient length to allow clinching on the under face of the battens. The clinching will prevent the boards from springing apart.
This platform should be fastened to the first, with the end which has not been battened secured to the two-by-four at C. The best method of fastening the ends of these boards is with bolts long enough to extend through the two platforms and project an inch or more below the bottom two-by-four (see [illustration]). Large washers should be placed under the heads of the bolts to prevent the latter from cutting through the boards.
The upper platform should not be nailed to the log, but merely held to it by straps passed diagonally around the outside boards and log, as shown in the [illustration].
Set the spring-board upon the spot you wish to use it, and bank up the earth behind it until a gradual slope is made from the ground to the top.
If any difficulty is experienced in keeping the spring-board in place, it may be overcome by driving stakes into the ground around the sides of the lower platform.
After setting up your gymnasium apparatus, oil the bars of the horizontal bar and parallel bars with boiled linseed-oil, and paint all the rest of the wood to keep it in good condition.
Hurdles should be lightly constructed, so as to be easily knocked over should a hurdler trip upon them. They are made similar to [carpenter horses], directions for the making of which are given in Chapter I. Their height will depend upon the skill of the hurdler.
If the field is large enough,
A Running Track can be made around it, by levelling off the ground, removing all stones and irregularities in its path, and banking up the corners to enable the runner to turn the curves readily.