Swimming—Action of the Hands.
Plate XXII
Swimming—Action of the Feet.
The arms and legs should act alternately; the arms descending while the legs are rising—([Plate XXII.] fig. 3); and, oppositely, the arms rising while the legs are descending. ([Plate XXII.] fig. 4.) Thus the action of both is unceasingly interchanged; and, until great facility in this interchange is effected, no one can swim smoothly, or keep the body in one continued progressive motion. In practising the action of the legs, one hand may rest on the top of a chair, while the opposite leg is exercised. When both the arms and the legs are separately accustomed to the action, the arm and leg of the same side may be exercised together.
PLACE AND TIME OF SWIMMING.
Place.
Of all places for swimming, the sea is the best; running waters next; and ponds the worst. In these a particular spot should be chosen, where there is not much stream, and which is known to be safe.