Before entering on our course of instruction it will be as well to give a few hints as to how and where to practise. Plenty of space is necessary - especially height; and, needless to say, plenty of light is quite as important. I would recommend those of my readers who seriously intend going in for Juggling to join a gymnasium. It is an ideal place for practising, with all the advantages of space and light, loftiness and, last not least, gymnasium mats. Whether practising with balls, plates, or clubs, or doing "heavy" Juggling with such "properties" as cannon-balls, etc., these mats will be found of great utility both in breaking their fall and stopping their roll. During practice, of course, they are continually dropping and rolling about. The mats should be placed so as to form a square immediately in front of the place where you intend to stand. It is best to be a short distance away from the edge of the mats: say, ten to twelve inches. If you stand too close you are liable to trip over then while reaching out for anything, you may have thrown a little beyond your reach. When practising balancing tricks it is best not to use the mats at all, as you require sufficient clear floor space to allow you to move about in order to retain the equilibrium of the article balanced.
Of course, daylight is the best for all these exercises, and the light should be at your back so that your eyes may not encounter a glare when you turn them in any particular direction. Windows, if in front or nearly so, should have the blinds drawn. A dark foreground with a good light from behind is preferable. The same rule holds good in regard to artificial light. Practise with all the lights behind you when it is possible. When it is not, shade any lamps that must be in front of you.