ould perceive any
tendency to it.

1402. continued...

"In fresh water if a man throw himself on his back near the surface,
he cannot long continue in that situation, but by proper action of his
hands on the water; if he use no such action, the legs and lower part
of the body will gradually sink till he come into an upright position,
in which he will continue suspended, the hollow of his breast keeping
the head uppermost.

1403. continued...

"But if in this erect position the head be kept upright above the
shoulders, as when we stand on the ground, the immersion will, by the
weight of that part of the head that is out of the water, reach above
the mouth and nostrils, perhaps a little above the eyes, so that a man
cannot long remain suspended in water with his head in that position.

1404. continued...

"The body continuing suspended as before, and upright, if the head be
leaned quite back, so that the face look upward, all the back part of
the head being under water, and its weight consequently in a great
measure supported by it, the face will remain above water quite free
for breathing, will rise an inch higher every inspiration, and sink as
much every expiration, but never so low as that the water may come
over the mouth.

1405. continued...

"If therefore a person unacquainted with swimming and falling
accidentally into the water, could have presence of mind sufficient to
avoid struggling and plunging, and to let the body take this natural
position, he might continue long safe from drowning, till, perhaps,
help should come; for, as to the clothes, their additional weight when
immersed is very inconsiderable, the water supporting it; though when
he comes out of the water, he will find them very heavy indeed.

1406. continued...

"But I would not advise any one to depend on having this presence of
mind on such an occasion, but learn fairly to swim, as I wish all men
were taught do in their youth; they would on many occasions, be the
safer for having that skill; and on many more, the happier, as free
from painful apprehensions of danger, to say nothing of the enjoyment
in so delightful and wholesome an exercise. Soldiers particularly
should, methinks, all be taught to swim; it might be of frequent use,
either in surprising an enemy or saving themselves; and if I had now
boys to educate, I should prefer those schools (other