Floating is properly a transition from swimming on the back. To effect
it, it is necessary, while the legs are gently exercising, to extend
the arms as far as possible beyond the head, equidistant from, and
parallel with its sides, but never rising above the surface; to immerse
the head rather deeply, and elevate the chin more than the forehead;
to inflate the chest while taking this position, and so to keep it as
much as possible; and to cease the action of the legs, and put the
feet together. (Plate XXV. fig. 1.) The swimmer will thus be able to
float, rising a little with every inspiration, and falling with every
expiration. Should the feet descend, the loins may be hollowed.
[Illustration: _Plate XXIV_
_Page 96._