TO INFLATE FOR A LONG STAY UNDER WATER. Before inflating, the lungs must be completely emptied of all impure air. This is done by exhal ing with mouth open, and the process is further helped by contracting the chest and stooping forward. Inflating with pure air should be com- . menced by taking short inspirations--each inhala tion being longer than the one immediately pre ceding.
As the chest expands lean the head and shoulders back; this renders the lungs capable of holding a larger supply of air.
After eight or ten good breaths the diver should be -ready for the plunge into the water, which should be done without any jerk.
If on getting under the surface a feeling of oppression is experienced, allow a very small quantity of air to escape through the nostrils. The feeling of oppression is further eased by gulping with the mouth and throat, as if swallow- • ing air. Some divers take a little water into the mouth occasionally. We would not recommend this, especially in deep diving in the sea, or in a salt water bath.
It is well that one, when improving either in time or distance, should do so very gradually.
There is a delusive feeling of ease which some times takes place, as if one could stay down for almost any length of time. Immediately this is
felt the diver should come to the surface without loss of time, as it very often precedes fainting or dissolution. We have been present at several diving matches when some of the competitors had' to be rescued, and were brought up senseless—the whole surface of their bodies being of a deadly pallor, and the eyes sunken. In nearly every instance, however, a very few minutes in the air restored con sciousness, and in half-an-hour they were quite well.
When preparing for a long dive all excitement should be avoided, as it accelerates the heart's action, when the air will be sooner used up in supplying the blood with the necessary quantity of oxygen.
To SEARCH FOR AN OBJECT UNDER WATER. Having got down to the bottom, kick the legs alternately upward with the soles of the feet to the surface, keeping hands and face close to the ground and the eyes open.
The hands are used to direct the course when looking for the object, and to pick it up and carry it when discovered.