This jump round is easier than the first one described, being only a quarter-turn, while the other is a half-turn.
_Straight-running._--As you begin to slide, place yourself in the position of Plates XIV. and XV., which is the normal one for running downhill--skis held in contact, so that they leave a single track; one ski about a foot in advance of the other; the advanced leg almost straight at the knee, the other more bent; nearly all the weight on the back foot; the inside of the front knee pressed against the _kneecap_ of the other; body erect; arms hanging easily by the sides; stick, or sticks, if carried, held clear of the snow.
Hold yourself perfectly easily and without stiffness, especially at the knees, which should give to the inequalities of the ground. It is far better to stand too loosely, and sway about somewhat, than to keep every muscle tense.
You can keep the skis together without effort by bending the knees and ankles well inwards, so as to place the skis slightly on their inside edges; they will then tend to run together rather than to separate. Take the greatest care to avoid any approach to a bow-legged position, which would edge the skis outwards. There should be no daylight visible between your knees to a person standing in front of you.
If you should find the skis running wide apart with the weight equally on both, don't try to force them together, but throw all your weight on to one ski, and then you will be able to move back the other quite easily to its proper position.
Carry the stick, or sticks, as shown in the photographs (Plates XIV. and XV.). On no account hold a single stick (or the two sticks placed together) in both hands. If you feel the smallest tendency to do so, practise at first with nothing in your hands.
This will save you from acquiring the habit of falling into the deplorable attitude shown in Plate XVI., or the almost equally bad one in which the stick is held out in front transversely like a balancing pole, ready for the teeth of its owner if he happens to pitch forwards.
If their weight or length makes it difficult to keep the sticks clear of the snow when held by the ends, hold them rather nearer the middle, but not _much_ nearer or they will be more likely to hurt you if you fall.