A jump of over 20 feet to-day is considered very clever, the record being 29 feet seven inches with weights, and 23 feet eight inches without weights, although much greater distances have been jumped with the aid of apparatus, but never an approximation to 50 feet.

The most surprising of all these athletes are the tumblers, who turn somersaults over several animals arranged in a row.

Such feats are not only the most amusing sights of a modern circus, but also the most interesting as well.

The agility of these men is marvelous, and the force with which they throw themselves in the air apparently enables them to defy gravity.

In London, Paris, or New York one may see these wonderful tumblers and marvel at the capabilities of human physical development.
In September, 1895, M.F.Sweeney, an American amateur, at Manhattan Field in New York jumped six feet 5 5/8 inches high in the running high jump without weights.