as to swim; that the question often is not how much he can do, but how long he can remain in a given position, how well he can command the forces of the mind and body.

Bernardi's Method of Swimming. The system of swimming, known as " Bernardi's Method," is based upon this fact. It assumes, as its first principle, the necessity for keeping the body afloat; and all further movements are based upon this. The teaching is begun by supporting the pupil under the shoulders, the head being out of water, and correcting the position of the limbs, showing how to assume the correct position of the body.

By the time this is learned, the pupil can support himself, or float, but he soon finds that every movement of the body or head will cause the body to sink, so that he must learn how to correct the loss of position that may result from these involuntary movements. By extending the arms laterally, holding the head well back, and keeping one leg forward and the other back, it is possible to float for an almost indefinite time. The motions used to advance the body by this system are very similar to the old system, except that they are perhaps more sweeping and more deliberate.

Swimming on the back is but a modification of this system, and is useful, when combined with the ordinary system of swimming, as a means of rest, the body floating more easily in that position. Young swimmers and all beginners should bear in mind constantly that the object of learning to swim is to preserve life while in the water, and that endurance and saving of energy means far more than anything else.

Skill and quickness are often necessary, but staying power is more so. Boys should not only be encouraged to learn to swim, but should be required to learn, especially if their future lives or occupations are likely to take them upon the water. The natatoriums and swimming schools are now so common in cities that none need be deprived of an opportunity to learn this valuable accomplishment.

Drowning. As the consideration of all sports conducted on the water suggests the possibility of drowning through carelessness or unforeseen exigencies, it may be well to give here some directions for the restoration of the apparently drowned. The wet clothing must be removed, and the body dried and well rubbed. The face should be turned down for a moment, and all accumulation of mucus removed from the mouth.

If the patient cannot be made to breathe by ordinary means, artificial respiration must be resorted to. An easy method is shown by the illustrations: Lay the patient on

the back, flex the elbows, grasp the arms, and press heavily upon the chest (Fig. 1). Then bring the arms up above the head by an outward motion (Fig. 2) and repeat these movements fifteen times to a minute until the patient breathes naturally.

The following is "Marshall Hall's Ready Method":

First. Treat the patient instantly on the spot, in the open air, freely exposing the face, neck, and chest to the breeze, except in severe weather.

Second. In order to clear the throat, place the patient gently on the face, with one wrist under the forehead, that all

fluid, and the tongue itself, may fall forward, and leave the entrance into the windpipe free.

Third. To excite respiration, turn the patient slightly on his side, and apply some irritating or stimulating agent to the nostrils, as veratrine, dilute ammonia, etc.

Fourth. Make the face warm by brisk friction; then dash cold water upon it.

Fifth. If not successful, lose no time; but, to imitate respiration, place the patient on his face, and turn the body gently, but completely, on the side, and a little beyond; then again on the face, and so on, alternately. Repeat these

FIG. 2. ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION-INSPIRATION.

movements deliberately and perseveringly, fifteen times only in a minute. (When the patient lies on the thorax, this cavity is compressed by the weight of the body and expiration takes place. When he is turned on the side, this pressure is removed, and inspiration occurs.)

Sixth. When the prone position is resumed, make a uniform and efficient pressure along the spine, removing the pressure immediately, before rotation on the side. (The pressure augments the expiration; the rotation commences inspiration.) Continue these measures.

Seventh. Rub the limbs upward, with firm pressure and with energy, the object being to aid the return of venous blood to the heart.

Eighth. If possible, substitute for the patient's wet clothing such other covering as can be instantly procured, each bystander supplying a coat or cloak, etc. Meantime, and from time to time, to excite inspiration, let the surface of the body be slapped briskly with the hand.

Ninth. Rub the body briskly till it is dry and warm, then dash cold water upon it and repeat the rubbing.

Avoid the immediate removal of the patient, as it involves a dangerous loss of time; the use of bellows, or other forcing instrument; the warm bath, and all rough treatment. Cycling. The use of the bicycle, formerly regarded as a mere amusement, has become a common form of locomotion. In many parts of our country bicycles are as numerous as horses, and often are of far greater value to their owners. There is but little question of the general value of cycling as an exercise. Indulgence to a moderate extent must be beneficial. The exercise is probably abused less than any other. The idea of self-propulsion is not a new one by any means. It has taken something over a century to evolve from the first rude machine our pneumatic-tired, steel-forged frame of to-day, but the modern wheel and rider are creations of the last few years.

A patent was issued in Paris about 1816, for " a machine called a velocipede, formed of a seat supported upon two wheels, which obey the motions of the feet of a person on the seat and which transport him with great quickness." The velocipede of 1816 quickly passed out of favor, and about 1877 the first manufacturing of bicycles was begun in this country. Cycling has become popular with the masses only since the common use of the "safety" form of wheel.

Since that time the bicycle has become a necessity rather than a luxury. In cities it will be the common means of getting about, and at no distant date bids fair to take the place of the horse in everything except the movement of heavy loads. There is no doubt that the bicycle has had and will continue to have a very beneficial effect upon the

health of the great majority of riders, for it has been adopted by the very class that has been almost entirely without exercise in any form.

The united influence of bicycle riders has had a great effect upon road building and repairing; and as the organizations of wheelmen become more effective, more and betterkept roads will be found. The bicycle has done a great deal to advance what may be called the feeling of friendship in athletics. Man naturally desires association and companionship, and the bicycle tour is one of the pleasantest forms of summer outing. The bicycle, first an amusing toy and afterwards a source of pleasure for the athlete, has become almost a necessity. The business man, the schoolboy, and the man and woman of society alike, find health and exercise in its use.

There are about thirty different kinds of standard bicycles that are made in this country. Of these six might be selected that are almost equally good. Any one of them will be found to be entirely satisfactory, for their differences are mainly those of form. In selecting a bicycle, the usual rule will hold that the best is the cheapest; but of two or three equally good machines, one will perhaps suit the personal peculiarities of the rider better than another.

Except for track riding or racing, do not make the mistake of getting too light a machine. The wheel that is to stand the roughness of country roads and the unevenness of city pavements, that is to be solid, reliable, and trustworthy in all conditions, must have some weight. For road work, twenty-four to twenty-eight pounds is a convenient weight. There are many different varieties of saddles, some pneumatic, others made of wire and still others of various materials and shapes. Here the rider must consult his own wishes and preferences again. That saddle will be best for him that he finds most comfortable.

After purchasing the bicycle, the test-learning to rideis in order. As it is a question of preserving one's balance, and exerting one's strength, at the same time, while keeping