Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 29, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 July 1895 — STILT RACES THE RACE [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

STILT RACES THE RACE

AND now it Is stilts! So at least say the French, who may be credited with the introduction of this novel sport In Paris regular clubs have been organized and the sport Is evidently enjoyed by all who have given It a trial. The latest event among the upperdom of a fashionable “stilting” club was the arrangement of a race on stilts. In this race there were not less than ninety-one entries. A bugle corps and an enormous crowd of spectators were present to see this novel procession start A few of the more daring of the women have taken up the stilts. Should any enterprising American wish to start a stilting club here are a few practical hints on the use of stilts: The best stilts are made of light but tough wood, and ought to be long enough for the person using them to hold the top when standing on the foot rests. These latter should be nailed at the desired height from the

ground and be of sufficient size and strength to give the foot a firm hold and to bear the weight of the body. When walking on them he must raise each stilt alternately with the hands, lifting the foot at the same time, and continuing the motion alternately with the respective legs and arms as in ordinary walking. Should he feel himself losing his balance the best pliTn is to leap to the ground and avoid as much as possible the. risk ol falling. After a few trials stilting will be found to be n very easy and etijoyable way of locomotion. Many feats may soon be attempted on stilts and they will as a rule be' found to be easy bf accomplishment Barring the risk of falls lft will be found that the higher the stilt walker is from the ground the easier as well ns the more rapid will be his speed. There can be no dOubt that “stilting” will be the rage before many days. So be ready when the callcomes: “Get on your stilts 1”