things being
equal) where an opportunity was afforded for acquiring so advantageous
an art, which, once learned, is never forgotten.

1407.

"I know by experience, that it is a great comfort to a swimmer, who
has a considerable distance to go, to turn himself sometimes on his
back, and to vary, in other respects, the means of procuring a
progressive motion.

1408.

"When he is seized with the cramp in the leg, the method of driving it
away is to give the parts affected a sudden, vigorous, and violent
shock; which he may do in the air as he swims on his back.

1409.

"During the great heats in summer, there is no danger in bathing,
however warm we may be, in rivers which have been thoroughly warmed by
the sun. But to throw one's self into cold spring water, when the body
has been heated by exercise in the sun, is an imprudence which may
prove fatal. I once knew an instance of four young men who, having
worked at harvest in the heat of the day, with a view of refreshing
themselves, plunged into a spring of cold water; two died upon the
spot, a third next morning, and the fourth recovered with great
difficulty. A copious draught of cold water, in similar circumstances,
is frequently attended with the same effect in North America.

1410.

"The exercise of swimming is of the most healthy and agreeable in the
world. After having swum for an hour or two in the evening one sleeps
coolly the whole night, even during the most ardent heat of summer.
Perhaps, the pores being cleansed, the insensible perspiration
increases, and occasions this coolness. It is certain that much
swimming is the means of stopping diarrhoea, and even of producing a
constipation. With respect to those who do not know how to swim, or
who are affected with diarrhoea at a season which does not permit them
to use that exercise, a warm bath, by cleansing and purifying the
skin, is found very salutary, and often effects a radical cure. I
speak from my own experience, frequently repeated, and that of others,
to whom I have recommended this.

1411.

"When I was a boy, I amused myself one day with flying a paper kite;
and approaching the banks of the lake, which was nearly a mile broad,
I tied the string to a stake, and the kite ascended to a very
considerable height above the pond, while I was swimming. In a little
time, being desirous of amusing myself with my kite, a