e other leg and arms. It is hard to practise the arms
and both legs together out of water, as in order to do so one has to lie
on a piano stool or bench. I discourage this method because the pressure
on the abdomen is injurious. After some practise of these movements out
of water, we then take the pupil into the water. When the beginner
enters the water, it is best for him to be held in a horizontal position
by an overhead trolley attached to a belt strapped around the waist, or
else held up in the water by the instructor, as per illustration. The
four arm movements are tried first, care being taken that the hands do
not come out of the water. At the same time they should be kept as near
the surface as possible without splashing, care being taken that, on the
last movement, the elbows are dropt and the hands kept up in the water.
This movement keeps the head up in the water. Should the hands be dropt,
the head will sink. The pupil should keep his mouth open all the time,
not worrying whether the water enters or not. By this means breathing
becomes natural.

[Illustration: THE BREAST STROKE--TEACHING WITH TROLLEY AND INSTRUCTOR]

The leg movements are then taken up. The best way is for the pupil,
with the left hand, to hold onto the rail that lines the pool and to use
the palm of the right hand lower down in the water, against the side of
the pool, as in Fig. 13, thereby holding the body and legs up in the
water, if the back is arched. The legs should be drawn up, the knees and
toes well turned out, and the legs then kicked straight out and brought
smartly together. This combined movement forces a wedge of water to be
shot behind the legs, forcing the body ahead. The legs are kept
stationary for a moment and then drawn up to the starting position.

[Illustration: FIGURE 14]

[Illustration: FIGURE 13--THE LEG MOVEMENT]

[Illustration: FIGURE 15]

After practising these movements it is a good plan for the pupil to
throw himself gently on the water with his face submerged, and so do the
leg movements alone, the arms being held straight in front a couple of
inches below the surface. As long as the head is under water the legs
will not sink. It is surprizing the confidence one gets in doing these
leg movements with the face under water. It takes away all fear,
especially if the eyes are kept open. When the pupil's breath gives out,
he or she should bend backward by hollowing the back, bringing the arms
around in line wi