Two or three wild fowl swimming on its surface were the only living things in sight.

Swimming is a most valuable accomplishment, combining bathing and exercise.

But swimming is an entirely different matter.

The boatman sat down on the bank, reflecting on the fate of the philosopher; and, as the beaver disappeared in the bend of the river, he rose up and gave vent to his reflections in the following terms: "I guess that gentleman was never taught much of the useful; learning is a good thing in its place, but I guess swimming is the thing on the Mississippi, fix it how you will.