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in practice by every one who wishes to acquire the art:-
Dr Franklin's Advice To Bathers.
The only obstacle to improvement in this necessary and life-preserving art is fear; and it is only by overcoming this timidity, that you can expect to become a master of the preceding acquirements. It is very common for novices in the art of swimmnig to make use of corks or bladders to assist in keeping the body above the water. Some have utterly condemned the use of these ; however, they may be of service for supporting the body while one is learning what is called the stroke, or that manner of drawing in and striking out the hands and feet that is necessary to produce progressive motion. But you will be no swimmer till you can place confidence in the power of the water to support you ; I would therefore advise the acquiring that confidence in the first place, especially as I have known several, who, by a little of the practice nccessary for that purpose, have insensibly acquired the stroke, taught as it were by nature. The practice I mean is this : Choosing a place where the water deepens gradually, walk coolly into it till it is up to your breast ; then turn your face round to the shore, and throw an egg into the water, between you and the shore ; it will sink to the bottom,
