2805. "In fresh water, if a man throw himself on his back, near the surface, he cannot long continue in that situation but by proper action of his hands on the water; if he use no 6uch action, the legs and lower part of the body will gradually sink till he come into an upright position, in which he will continue suspended,the hollow of his breast keeping the head uppermost.

2806. "But if, in this erect position, the head be kept upright above the shoulders, as when we stand on the ground, the immersion will, by the weight of that part of the head that is out of the water, reach above the mouth and nostrils, perhaps a little above the eyes, so that a man cannot long remain suspended in water, with his head in that position.

2807. "The body continuing suspended as before, and upright, if the head be leaned quite back, so that the face look upward, all the back part of the head being under water, and its weight consequently, in a great measure supported by it, the face will remain above water quite free for breathing, will rise an inch higher every inspiration, and sink as much every expiration, but never so low as that the water may come over the mouth.

2808. "If, therefore, a person unacquainted with swimming, and falling accidentally into the water could have presence of mind sufficient to avoid struggling arid plunging, and to let the body take this natural position, he might continue long safe from drowning, till, perhaps, help should come; for, as to the clothes their additional weight when immersed is very inconsiderable, the water supporting it; though when he comes out of the water, he will find them very heavy indeed.

2809. "But, as I said before, I would not advise you or any one, to depend on having this presence of mind on such an occasion, but learn fairly to swim, as I wish all men were taught to do in their youth; they would, on many occasions, be the safer for having that skill; and, on many more, the happier, as free from painful apprehensions of danger, to say nothing of the enjoyment in so delightful and wholesome an exercise. Soldiers particularly should, methinks, all be taught to swim; it might be of frequent use, either in surprising an enemy or saving themselves; and if I had now boys to educate, I should prefer those schools (other things being equal), where an opportunity was afforded for acquiring so advantageous an art, which, once learned, is never forgotten.

2810. "I know by experience, that it is a great comfort to a swimmer, who has a considerable distance to go, to turn himself sometimes on his back, and to vary in other respects the means of procuring a progressive motion.

2811. "When he is seized with the cramp in the leg, the method of driving it away is, to give the parts affected a sudden, vigorous, and violent shock; which he may do in the air as he swims on his back.

2812. "During the great heats in Bummer there is no danger in bathing, however warm we may be, in rivers which have been thoroughly warmed by the sun. But to throw one's self into cold spring water, when the body has.been heated by exercise in the sun, is an imprudence which may prove fatal. I once knew an instance of four young men, who, having worked at harvest in the heat of the day, with a view of refreshing themselves, plunged into a spring of cold water; two died upon the spot, a third next morning, and the fourth recovered with great difficulty. A copious draught of cold water, in similar circumstances, is frequently attended with the same effect, in North America.

2813. "The exercise of swimming is one of the most healthy and agreeable in the world. After having swam an hour or two in the evening, one sleeps coolly the whole night, even during the most ardent heats of summer. Per-haps the pores being cleansed, the in sensible perspiration increases and occasions this coolness. It is certain that much swimming is the means of stopping diarrhoea, and even of producing constipation. With respect to those who do not know how to swim, or who are affected with diarrhoea at a season which does not permit them to use that exercise, a warm bath, by cleansing and purifying the skin, is found very salutary, and often effects a radical cure. I speak from my own experience, frequently repeated, and that of others to whom I have recommended this.

2814. "When I was a boy, I amused myself one day with flying a paper kite; and approaching the banks of a lake, which was near a mile broad, I tied the string to a stake, and the kite ascended to a very considerable height above the pond, while I was swimming. In a little time being desirous of amusing myself with my kite, and enjoying at the same time the pleasure of swimming, I returned and loosening from the stake the string with the little stick which was fastened to it, went again into the water, where I found that, lying on my back and holding the stick in my hand, I was drawn along the surface of the water in a very agreeable manner. Having then engaged another boy to carry my clothes round the pond, to a place which I pointed out to him, on the other side, I began to cross the pond with my kite, which carried me quite over without the least fatigue, and with the greatest pleasure imaginable. I was only obliged occasionally to halt a little in my course, and resist its progress, when it appeared that by following too quick, I lowered the kite too much; by doing which occasionally I made it rise again. I have never since that time practiced this singular mode of swimming, though I think it not impossible to cross, in this manner, from Dover to Calais. The packet-boat however, is still preferable,

2815. Those who prefer the aid of belts will find it very easy and safe to make belts upon the plan explained, (2181), and by gradually reducing the floating- power of the belts from day to day, they will gain confidence, and speedily acquit the Art of Swimming.