Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 88.djvu/890

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��Advantage is taken in South America of the intense heat of the tropical sunlight in drying cattle hides. The odor is the most objectionable feature of this method

��Drying Cattle Hides in a Broiling Tropical Sun

ONE of the strangest sights which will greet the traveler from the North in visiting the small tropical countries along the eastern coast of South America is an occasional large tract of land covered with long racks of wood upon which are strung cattle hides drying in the sun. Whenever one of these inter- esting tracts is approached the visitor after one or two experi- ences does not have to be forewarned ; the odor which arises from them is almost unbearable. The intense heat of the tropical sun causes rap- id decomposition of the fleshy parts, which cling to the hides, so that they dry quickly; but while they are drying the stench that ema- nates from them is sick- eningly offensive.

Dried hides comprise one of the chief means of revenue of Uruguay.

��A Whipping Machine to Cure Nervousness

THERE must have been merit in the "birch tea" of child- hood, for the same rem- edy is prescribed in sanitariums nowadays for invalids. In other

���His nervous, tired body is receiv ing a soothing series of slaps

��words, it is considered that a healthy re- action may be gained from a "spanking." In the mechano-therapy departments of up-to-date institutions, the "whipping post," a mechanical device for thera- peutic paddling is an accredited healing- machine.

You are whipped by straps of heavy cloth or leather attached to two rapidly revolving posts. When you take the treatment you step backward into the flying whips and re- ceive their blows upon your legs, back, abdo- men or chest, depend- ing upon the malady from which you are suffering. The impact of the straps is just sufficient to set the blood in free circula- tion. There is no smart- ing, stinging sensation because the straps are broad enough to elimi- nate any possibility of a cutting blow. You are paddled rather than, lashed.

The "whipping post" is valuable in many types of nervousness. It is also valuable in in- creasing blood circula- tionandrelievingnumb- ness. Certain forms of paralysis though not responsive to other treatment, are bene- fited.

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