HEARING UNDER WATER It is often supposed that it is impossible to hear under water. This idea probably originated from the fact that when swimming on the side it is difficult to comprehend any remark even if shouted out, although a dull roar in the ear is apparent. When under water in a bath the dull sound can be heard if near the surface, and when in the sea the sound of an ap proaching steamer is audible from a long distance. Further, if the ear be placed on the bottom, even the sound made by the walking of persons on the beach becomes distinguishable.' To understand clearly what is being said when under water in a bath, the swimmer should lie on the bottom and place his ear against the side of the bath or steps. The person speaking should direct the voice to the edge of the bath, so that the sound waves travel down the side immediately over the head of the swimmer. The words can then be heard almost dis tinctly, provided they are pronounced audibly and slowly. In'
exhibitions the speaker should ask for a question from one of the audience, transmit it to the swimmer, and then allow him to come up and answer it openly.
Variations of many of the foregoing feats will be found under different names in programmes of professional performers, and very often two or more of them are blended together as one trick. For example the Steam Tug' is occasionally called the ' Ship wreck,' the exhibitor, after going some distance, sinking under water like a ship settling down, and then rising again with the raised leg in the same position. Again, in under-water feats, writing on a slate, singing—which by the way is actually done under a pail with the head above water—playing trombones, walking on the bottom with the hands, the legs being above water, and picking up coins with the mouth are often added as extra tricks. All of these require practice, but do not merit special description.