Abstract: The abstract of the disclosure is a method of rapidly preparing a dilute aqueous solution of poly N,N lower dialkylaminomethyl acrylamide and copolymers thereof having a molecular weight greater than 500,000 and a cationic charge of 1-90% which comprises:A. forming a water-in-oil emulsion of polyacrylamide or copolymers thereof, said water-in-oil emulsion containing in weight percentages:(1) 5 to 60% polymer;(2) 5 to 75% hydrophobic liquid;(3) 0.1 to 21% water-in-oil emulsifying agent;(4) 2 to 90% water;B. adding to the water-in-oil emulsion of step A a water soluble salt of a secondary amine having alkyl groups containing 1-3 carbon atoms in an amount, so as to provide 0.1-1.1 moles of secondary amine for each mole of amide functionality on said polymer;C. preparing a dry formaldehyde composition by mixing together:(1) paraformaldehyde;(2) dry alkalinity control agent(3) water-soluble high HLB surfactant capable of inverting the water-in-oil emulsion of step A;D.