About this there is, however, some doubt.

Medwin tells us that Shelley while a boy delighted in being on the water, and that he enjoyed the pastime at Eton.

On the other hand, Mr.W.S.Halliday, a far better authority than Medwin, asserts positively that he never saw Shelley on the river at Eton, and Hogg relates nothing to prove that he practised rowing at Oxford.

It is certain that, though inordinately fond of boats and every kind of water--river, sea, lake, or canal--he never learned to swim.

Peacock also notices his habit of floating paper boats, and gives an amusing description of the boredom suffered by Hogg on occasions when Shelley would stop by the side of a pond or mere to float a mimic navy.