At the risk of being considered old-fashioned, I have given the sword exercise with seven cuts and three points, with corresponding guards and parries, and it is my conviction that the beginner will do well to follow the advice given on p. 34. The following instructions are taken from the Manual on the Infantry Sword, now used in the army. INSTRUCTIONS FOR DRAWING THE SWORD (LONG). _Draw Swords._--Take hold of the scabbard of the sword, with the left hand below the hilt, which should be raised as high as the hip, then bring the right hand smartly across the body, grasping the hilt and turning it at the same time to the rear, raise the hand the height of the elbow, the arm being close to the body. _Two._--Draw the sword from the scabbard, the edge being to the rear, and lower the hand until the upper part of the hilt is opposite the mouth, the blade perpendicular, edge to the left, elbow close to the body, which forms the position "Recover swords." _Three._--Bring the sword smartly down until the hand is in front of the elbow and little finger in line with it, the elbow close to the body, blade perpendicular, edge to the front; which forms the position of "Carry swords;" the left hand resumes the position of "Attention" directly the sword is drawn. _Slope Swords._--Relax the grasp of the last three fingers, and, without disturbing the position of the hand, allow the back of the sword to fall lightly on the shoulder, midway between the neck and the point of the shoulder. _Return Swords._--Carry the hilt to the hollow of the left shoulder (the left hand, as before, raising the scabbard), with the blade perpendicular and the back of the hand to the front, then by a quick turn of the wrist drop the point into the scabbard, turning the edge to the rear until the hand and elbow are in line with each other square across the body. _Two._--Replace the sword in the scabbard, keeping the hand upon the hilt. _Three._--The hands are brought back to the position of "Attention." _Draw Swords._--As before. _Slope Swords._--As before. _Stand at Ease._--Keeping the sword at the "Slope," draw back the right foot six inches, and bend the left knee. THE FOUR CUTS (from Second Position). _Assault._--Raise the hand and sword to the rear, arm bent, wrist rounded, the back of the sword resting upon the shoulder, with the edge inclined to the right. _One._--Extend the arm, and direct the cut diagonally downwards from right to left, and, continuing the sweep of the sword, prepare for cut "two," the back of the sword upon the left shoulder, edge inclined to the left. _Two._--Cut diagonally downwards from left to right, and turning the wrist let the sword continue its motion until it rests upon the right shoulder, edge to the right. _Three._--Cut horizontally from right to left, and prepare for cut "four," the flat of the sword resting upon the left shoulder.