gs alternately in much the same way as when
walking. To do this effectively, pressure must be applied to the
positive stroke; that is to say, while the foot is being drawn down. The
reverse movement, or straightening of the leg, must be made gently. The
knees should be brought to the surface of the water each time; this is
in a slow but restful movement. The arm movements consist of having arms
straight alongside the body, the palms of the hands being turned out,
the thumbs down, making small circles with the hands and wrists, as in
Fig. 8, propelling one's self ahead with small scoops. It is hard at
first to combine the two arm and leg movements, but practise makes
perfect; and after the movements are accomplished in unison the pupil
will find this a very easy and restful stroke.

THE BACK AND DALTON STROKE

In teaching this stroke I revise both the back and the Dalton stroke
with the life-preserver on. After the pupil has covered a distance with
the back stroke, instead of making a turn to retrace, I show the pupil
how to revert to the Dalton stroke, thus avoiding the necessity of
turning around. When changing from the back stroke to the Dalton stroke
the legs should be brought together and the hands put straight to the
sides of the body; then either stroke can be continued. The next move is
to let a little air out of the life-preserver. The pupil then begins
again on the same strokes. After several trips up and down the pool more
air is let out, with more trips up and down the pool, and so on until
there is no air left in the preserver.

So slight will be the difference that the pupil will hardly notice it.
As long as the back is well hollowed, the upper part of the body will
float, but directly the body is doubled up the head and feet begin to
sink, so that the teacher must follow close after the pupil to make the
pupil keep the back well hollowed and the chest expanded. Beginners
will be surprized at the ease with which back strokes propel the body
through the water without any undue effort. To one who has never been
used to swimming without support it gives a wonderful feeling of
exhilaration to propel one's self through the water and then, when
tired, to slowly bring the arms back under water until the thumbs come
together behind the head and the knees are drawn up to the floating
position, while the pupil inhales deep breaths through the mouth,
thereby sustaining the body well up in the water.

THE BREAS