with the legs crossed. The body is kept in position by working
the hands the same as in sculling. As soon as the swimmer has obtained
his balance, he pushes the water away from his body with the right hand
and uses the left hand in the opposite manner, or, as it were, pulls the
water toward the body with the left hand.

THE PROPELLER

This is a very graceful movement and never fails to excite admiration in
onlookers. To do it properly requires considerable practise. One must be
able to float well. There is always a tendency to raise the head above
the proper level, which in turn causes the feet to sink.

[Illustration: THE PROPELLER]

To begin, the swimmer should turn on the back, placing the hands at the
side of the body, keeping the head back and the feet together. Slight
movements of the hands from the wrists will keep the body floating. Then
make a long sweep of the arms from the body, under the surface of the
water, until they are at full length beyond the head. Thus the body will
be propelled with the feet foremost. As soon as the body is in motion,
the hands should be moved by the wrists and forearms only, in a
scoop-like manner, with the palms turned outward. The body may be turned
round by lessening the movement of one hand and increasing that of the
other, the body turning to the side on which the lesser movement is
taking place. Bringing the arms to the side again as in the original
position will bring the body to a standstill. This trick, seemingly very
simple, is somewhat difficult of accomplishment, and requires
considerable practise.

THE TORPEDO

This is a rather difficult performance. It requires a great deal of
practise. The movements are almost identical with those in the
"propeller," the main difference being that in this trick the head is
kept under water.

[Illustration: THE TORPEDO]

To begin, the performer should lie flat in the water on his back, with
his arms stretched out beyond his head. The palms should be turned
upward. Then the legs should be raised from the hips, and kept rigid.
This will cause the body to become submerged, all but the ankles and
feet. One then must work the hands the same as in "propeller," but at
the end of each stroke make a slight upward pressure with the palms, so
that the body may retain its position below the water.

The movement of the hands will cause the body to move forward, feet
first. The swimmer should at all times keep his eyes open in order