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able. 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 sinee that time praetised this singular mode of swimming, though I think it not impossible to eross in this manner from Dover to Calais. The packet-boat, however, is still preferable.
B. Franklin.
GOING INTO THE WATER.
Such persons as do not know how to swim, should go slowly into the water ; but those who are expert swimmers, may leap in at once, with their head or feet perpendicular ; or they may hold their right hand, or both hands, behind their neck, and throw themselves from the bank, head foremost, striking the water with the calves of their legs one after the other.
The only inconvenienee attending these methods, is the danger of taking water at the nose and ears which may easily be prevented, by holding in the breath. Caution is requisite to all learners, as it sometimes happens in expert swimmers that they strike against the bottom, which is very disagreeable, and that in a great depth you are obliged to hold in your breath a long
