Instruction in the use of the foils is given to the entire class assembled by sections, and consists of preliminary instruction in the single rank without weapon, in the single rank with foils, and in the double rank with foils. As with the saber, the men whose sport by predilection is fencing with foils take individual lessons from the fencing master every afternoon from November until March. The interest in fencing at one time was exceedingly great, and the sport was regarded as one of the major activities of cadet life. This interest was due to the participation of cadet teams in the Intercollegiate Fencing Meet, but five years ago the Academy authorities prohibited cadet teams from attending these competitions. This action killed the interest in fencing for several years, but at present the former popularity of this excellent sport is returning, and a visitor may now see the thirteen double mats, accommodating fifty-two men, constantly filled. When President Roosevelt, in 1905, ordered that all cadets should attend gymnasium daily, assistants were detailed to assist the officer in charge of physical training. For the fencing, the Academy secured the services of a _maître d’armes_ under whose careful and scientific training, the fencing teams of the Academy continued their brilliant achievements begun in 1902. Beginning with that year until 1910, West Point sent to the annual intercollegiate championship meets, teams that contested with Harvard, Yale, Cornell, Pennsylvania, Columbia, and the Navy. Out of the nine meets, West Point won six, and obtained second place in the other three, yielding their supremacy to their great rivals, the Navy. This remarkable record was accomplished by the untiring efforts of the team and of their much-liked instructor, M. Vauthier, whose skill excited their admiration and inspired in them a splendid spirit of emulation. More attention is now paid to the bayonet fencing due to the extended use of that weapon in the present European War, but as with the other arts, the limited time permits the teaching of only the fundamentals. The cadet learns enough in each branch to build upon afterwards and make himself a competent instructor. Not less popular than the fencing are the boxing and wrestling exercises. The first year men are assembled in classes and given instruction in boxing in the guard, footwork, parries, simple direct leads and counters. Similarly in wrestling, the simple holds, resultant falls, and the breaks for the simple holds are all taught.