There is no question that the most successful way of
learning to swim is to practise the different strokes on land, until they become automatic, before attempting to try them in the water, and Mr. Sid G. Hedges' The Book of Swimming and Biting (Hutchinson, 4s. 6d.) provides the most explicit in-7 structions in land drill to all would-be swimmers. There are some excellent suggestions for learners who are timid. Various exercises are described which will teach the beginner how extraordinarily 'difficult it is to sink and accustom him to the water. The chapters on learning to dive are particularly good. There is no exercise more physically stimulating than swimming in the sea. But it is because Mr. Hedges realizes that the pleasure of bathing is not absolutely dependent on the perfect execution of countless elaborate strokes that Ills book will have a wide appeal. -
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