I am opposed to almost every page of this unhappy _brochure_, especially to the “Seven Cuts and Guards” of the target; to the shape of the target--I never yet saw a man absolutely circular; to the grip of the sword; to the position in guard; to the Guards or Parades, especially the inside engaging guard (Carte); to the Lunge; to the angle of the feet, and to the system of “loose practice.” The “Cuts” will be noticed in a future page. Of the grip I may remark that the one essential, the position of the thumb, both in attacks and parries is, as a rule, neglected by the ‘Sword Exercise.’[1] As early as 1828, Müller made his _point d’appui_ a grasp of the handle with the four fingers, the thumb being stretched along the back, in order to direct the edge, and to avoid the possibility of striking with the “flat.” The only exception to this universal law is when doing the “Moulinet” movements, which will be explained farther on. Some professors, both with broadsword and small-sword, would stretch the index, when pointing, along the right of the handle. I have objected to this practice in the rapier and the foil: except when done to change position for relief, it serves merely to fatigue the wrist. But the proper use of the thumb, “_le pouce allongé sur le dos de la poignée_,” which is troublesome at first, and which demands some study, especially from those who have acquired bad habits, is the base of all superior “counterpoint.”[2] The position on guard is a debated point. Many, indeed I may say most, of the moderns follow the rule of all the older swordsmen, namely, reposing two-thirds of the body-weight (as in p. 19 of the ‘Exercise,’ which, however, is an exaggeration) upon the left leg. The reasons usually given are that in this position the person is not so much exposed; moreover, that the centre of gravity being thrown back adds spring and impetus to the Lunge. We may remember how Cordelois (1862) made a step towards change in his fencing-schools at Paris. My objection to the old style is that the farther you are from your opponent, the longer and slower will be your attack; moreover, I have ever found, in personal practice, that it is easier and more convenient to “sit on guard” with the weight equally distributed on both haunches and legs. In fact, that the backward position is not natural any pair of thighs can ascertain for itself after trying it for five minutes: whilst the muscles of the right or forward limb are relaxed as much as possible, those of the left are tight strung, so as to do double work and threaten cramp. This single objection is serious enough to counterbalance any other claims to superiority. [Illustration: First Guard. (Prime.) (“What to avoid.”)]