The Knickerbocker/Volume 13/Number 5/Salt Water Floating Baths
Bathing.—One of the most striking passages in the entertaining work of Dumas, noticed elsewhere in the present number, is a description of the bathe at Alexandria, and the delightful sensations which ensued to the author, after having been, as he fancied, half scalded, and the other half smothered, by the operators in attendance, who consider a bather the property of the establishment, the moment he enters the initiatory apartment. Now we can advise the city reader of a place to which he or she may resort where, without any of the preparation and fearful imaginings of our traveller, there may be compassed an equal amount of ultimate enjoyment; and moreover, it ensues speedily. The New-York Floating Baths are again anchored for the season near Castle-Garden; and the same courteous proprietor, who has in past years contributed to the health and happiness of perhaps a million of sea-bathers, still continues its supervision. The weather is cool, as we write; but remembered felicity, during the sweltering heats of the last summer, almost tempts us to achieve a present swim, in the spacious reservoirs of pure salt sea-brine, whereof Dr. Rabineau maintains the 'water privilege.' We hold to the 'greatest good of the greatest number;' the next warm day, therefore, reader, please to plunge in. Thenceforth shall you possess a mania to 'keep doing so,' which will add brightness to the eye, and bloom to the cheek.