In connection with the present methods of physical culture as a part of the duty of a college toward its students, the present tendency toward increasing gymnasium training is of undoubted value. The more men who can be induced, or, if necessary, compelled to take advantage of their opportunities for physical development, the better.

One feature, however, of the system, as it has existed for some years past, should be carefully guarded against, especially if the scope of gymnastic training is to expand still further. Work in the gymnasium is too apt to become separated from outdoor sport. It should be a means toward the real end, open air exercise, but it is too often looked upon as itself the end.

At certain seasons of the year, outdoor exercise is impossible and indoor work becomes necessary. Unfortunately, also, some individuals find themselves unable to enter upon the usual fields of sport, without preliminary training on the machines. In general, however, a man of ordinary health and fair development can build up his system by football, baseball, rowing, tennis, or any other sport which teaches him quickness of eye and command of his muscles in proportion to their growth, far more efficiently than he can build it up in a gymnasium. The ideal use of the gymnasium is the preliminary crew training. A completely mistaken use is that made by the so-called strong man. The best developed and most symmetrical muscles will be worthless alike to the college and to their owner if he is slow and awkward.

In the past the connection between gymnasium training and real athletics has been far from complete. If the gymnasium work is to be further increased, outdoor athletes and coaches might well have a greater share in its management.