Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1860-05-24
= From Godey's Lady's Book,
THE ART OF SWIMMING.

We particularly address this article to our
lady readers, for they should all learn how to
swim. At our own favorite bathing-places,
Cape Msssand Atlantic City, we have been
pleased3nI 3ow many good swimmers and
Is shese ameng the lady visitors
AS the season is fast approaching when the
healthy pastime of swimming may be pursued,
we venture to give those of our young friends
who may be inexperienced in the art a few
hints which may serve them in time of need
Great caution is required in the commencement,
for it is too often failing in youth to tempt
danger and incur risks, often fatal. from not
having acquired the knowledge of averting
them.
Effects Of Bathing on the HeazM.- Cleanliness,
obtained in whatever way, keeps open the pores
of the skin, and allows of the free escape of the
insensible perspiration, which is thrown off in
great quantities, and the free egress of which is
of the utmost importance to the health of the
system.
The tonic and reviving qualities of cold water
are OF the most remarkable character. How
wonderfully refreshing it is to bathe merely the
face and hands in cold water!
On rstplunging into cold water, there comes
shock which drives the blood to the central
parts of the system but Immediately reaction
takes place, which is assisted by the exercise Of
swimming, producing, even in water of low
temperature, an agreeable warmth. The stay
in the water should never be prolonged beyond
the period of this excitement If the water be
left while this warmth continues, and the body
Immediately dried, the healthy glow over the
whole surface will be delightful.
To remain in the water after the first reaction
is over. produces prolonged chillness, shrink
ing OF the flesh, and contraction of the skin
oy no means favorable to health or enjoyment ;
for it is only in water thoroughly warmed by
the summer heats where we may bathe for many
hours with impunity
Certain precautions are necessary Moderate
exercise, by summoning into action the powers
of the system and quickening the circulation, is
better than inactivity. We should never go into
water Immediately after meal, nor while the
process of digestion is going forward. Nor
should we plunge into the water when violently
heated Or in state of profuse perspiration.
Such imprudences are often fatal, especially if
the water be unusually cold. If too warm, the
temperature of the body may be reduced by
bathing the wrists and wetting the head.
Times and Places for S,oimming.-Before
meals rather than after, and especially before
breakfast and before supper, are proper seasons
for bathing. The heats of the day are to be
avoided, but in very hot weather bath is use
tul to cool the blood and secure refreshing Sleep
If in the middle of the day, a shaded place should
be chosen, or the head protected from the sun
by being kept wet or by wearing a straw hat
as is practised by the fashionable French ladies
at their watering places.
The sea is the best place for swimming
Owing to the greater specific gravity. of salt
water than fresh, the body is more buoyant in
it, as are other substances. A ship Coming out
of salt water into fresh sinks perceptibly in the
water. The difference is nearly equal to the
weight of the salt held in solution.
The bottom should be hard sand, gravel, or
smooth stones; sharp stones and shells cut the
feet, weeds may entangle them. The swimmer
must avoid floating grass and quicksand. The
beginner must be careful that the water does not
run beyond his depth and that the current can
not carry him into deeper place, also that there
be no holes in the bottom. AS persons are ever
liable to accidents, cramps etc., it is always best
that boys or girls should be accompanied by
those who are older than themselves, and who
will still be able to save them in an emergency.
Aids IN Learning to Sloina.-Probably one of
the best ways of learning to swim is to co. with
competent teacher, in a boat in deep water,
this supporting the body more buoyantly than
that which is shallower, and preventing the con-
slant tendency of beginners to touch the bottom,
which here is, ofscourse, impossible.