Outside edge is the key to figure skating, and having learned that, you may try the "three." This may be done in two ways: (1) a half-stroke inside edge forward, a little turn, and then a stroke outside backward, or (2) outside forward, the turn, and then inside backward. The turn in the middle of the "three" is not easy to describe, but it is not difficult to do. If you think of the shape of the figure, you will soon get the knack of changing from one edge of the skate to the other, and you will never forget it.
Having mastered the "three," you may try the "half double three," which is a "three" and the first part of another one. This sounds easy, but it is not so, for the reason that all your force will be exhausted by the time you have made a good tail to your figure. The "double three" is more difficult still, for the same reason. Now that you have learned the outside edge, you should do the "eight" in the proper way, namely, by making the second circle on outside instead of inside edge.
When you can do "outside edge," "eight," and "three," the best way to learn more difficult figures is to go to the corner of the pond where the best skaters practice, and, watch them. You will thus learn more than a whole book can teach you. Practice and attention to a few simple rules are the only roads to success: (1) When skating on one foot keep the other foot well back, with the toes turned out, and the heel close to that of the other foot; (2) keep your head up—there is no need to look down at the ice; (3) keep your elbows down; (4) straighten the knee after striking out, and keep it straight. Remember that when you are once in motion you increase your speed or alter your direction by simply throwing the weight of your body in the direction you wish to move.
[MY BEAUTIFUL CHILD.]
BY A. L. A. SMITH.
The sun rides in through the golden gates
Of the east with a wealth of light,
And the smiles of gold on valley and wold
Are smiles from his countenance bright.
The flowers and hedges are dashed with dew,
And the birds with tuneful throats
Are flooding the air with melody rare,
In liquid silvery notes.
My beautiful child, may you go forth
Like the sun with a wealth of light,
And purer than gold on valley and wold
Be the smiles from your spirit bright!
Drop words as bright and kind as the dew,
And vie with the woodland throng;
From the heart's deep well let praises swell
In showers of grateful song.