Attempt > Volume 3

THE ATTEMPT. 201
practised in moderation, I am convinced that, on the slightest consideration, its im¬
portance would be evident to every mind.
There are three purposes for which a knowledge of the art of swimming is de¬
sirable. The first of these is as a valuable means of developing the physical system
and strengthening the chest. In this opinion our most eminent physicians concur,
and pronounce it to be a very important addition to the physical exercises permitted
to our sex.
The second is, as a healthful recreation. It certainly is a great increase to the
pleasure of a bathe to be able to move about rapidly in the water. How many
miserable-looking bathers do we see standing shivering and unable to summon cour¬
age to make the decisive plunge, which a gi'eater familiarity with aquatic exercises
would render only the beginning of real enjoyment^ instead of the dreaded accomplish¬
ment of an enforced duty. Many, too, whose defective circulation obliges them
entii-ely to give up bathing, might, by the judicious practice of swimming, keep up
the degree of heat necessary to health, and so be enabled to resume bathing.
My third, and strongest argument, in favour of this art, consists in the power it
would confer ujion females of doing something at least towards saving their lives in
circumstances in which they may possibly be placed. I do not argue that proficiency
in swimming would enable women who are laden with cumbersome garments to
swim any distance to shore, but the presence of mind which conscious 2>ower bestows
would often enable them, by a few strokes, to reach some temporary support, or even
to lie passive till assistance reaches them.
This power may be acquired in a few lessons ; and once acquired, is never lost
from want of practice.
Scotland is essentially a marine country. Intersected as it is by rivers, lakes
and arms of the sea, and possessing so many favourite watering places, we ought, in
availing ourselves of such advantages, to be provided against the attendant risks. In
other countries, less sea-loving and sea-faring than our own, girls as well as boys are,
as a matter of course, taught to swim ; and it is passing strange that in Scotland,
where bathing and boating form so important a part of our sea-side amusements, it is
not considered essential that all should be prepared for every possible emergency. It
has often surprised me, that in the frequent cases of drowning which occur, parents do
not more seriously blame themselves as almost the direct cause of their children's
untimely end, inasmuch as they have failed to instruct them in the necessary means
of preservation. How often do we hear of pleasure boats being upset, and most, if
not all, of their occupants drowned. Perhaps one or two, being expert swimmers,
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