ciples of a system long known as the Dalton system.

LEARNING BY THE BOOK

The question is often asked whether it is possible for a person to learn
to swim by studying a book or a series of articles. Much depends on the
person. In the case of a very nervous person, it is improbable that this
may be satisfactorily accomplished, for it is then absolutely necessary
that a pupil must have an instructor, in order, at the start, to obviate
dread of the water.

Where this dread of water or nervousness does not exist in any marked
degree, study of a work such as this may be of unlimited advantage. By
carefully following its instructions it will be possible to become a
very fair swimmer without the aid of an instructor or any second person.

Naturally, it is not claimed that a majority of such self-taught
swimmers will ever become experts at the art, altho even this is
possible in a great many cases; but there is a moral certainty that,
with the exception of the aforementioned nervous beginners, a fair
knowledge of the science of swimming may be attained in this manner.
Numbers of very good swimmers have had no other tuition than which came
from study of a book. Especially is this true when following the
directions outlined in this book in the matter, first, of practising
keeping the eyes and mouth open under water, which will eliminate all
nervousness; and, second, in practising the movements used in the breast
and back strokes, which are of inestimable aid when actually taking to
the water.

Of course, where the swimmer desires to attain true scientific knowledge
of the art, the beginner needs the aid of an instructor who may watch
for and correct any faults noticeable, for the simple reason that bad
habits once contracted are more difficult to eliminate later on.

If the lessons herein set forth are carefully followed, there is no
reason why, with the exceptions before mentioned, one should not become
a good swimmer.

PART II

VARIOUS KINDS OF STROKES

THE BACK STROKE

It may seem odd to the beginner (and to a great many proficient
swimmers, for that matter) that in teaching swimming by the Dalton
system, I always begin by having pupils swim first on the back. Most
instructors do just the reverse; but during nineteen years of a
successful career in teaching, the proficiency of the graduated pupil
has justified the method. There are a number of very good reasons why
learners should begin by first swimmin