Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 90.djvu/84

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��Popular Science Monthly

��With Adjustable Stilts a Boy Can Grow Up in a Minute

NO one remembers who invented the first pair M stilts. Fathers, grand- fathers and as many "great-greats" as a youngster might ask, would all admit that it was before their tirne. Yet the charm of the stilts is as insistent as eyer, especially in the spring-time. Perhaps it is the desire for quick growth which even the plant-life is feeling, which makes them so popu- lar. But often the ability to walk on. ^ very high stilts must be gradually acquired.

This pair illustrated is adjustable, so that the boy or girl may learn to use them at just a slight distance from the ground, and then increase the height at pleasure. The supports for the feet are firmly fixed in the sockets made for them, so that there is no danger of accidents from their loosening. The sockets make half a dozen different adjustments pos- sible, and if a boy's am- bition soars still higher, other holes may be easily made.

��nication is sent for a supply of moisture. The eyelid then comes down with a tear inside it to wash clean the front of the eye. This is the most gentle and perfect washing in the world.

��Every Time We Wink We Give the Eye a Bath

EVERY few seconds we wink both our eyelids at once, although not pur- posely. If we stop winking, our eyes become uncomfortable and gradually cease to work as they should. When the eye is open the front of it is exposed to dirt and dust and is apt to become so dry that a pain- ful stinging sensation re- sults or would do so if constant moisture were not provided to cleanse and soothe the tissues.

As a matter of fact each time we wink we wash the eye. Up above each eye is a tiny water bag called the tear gland, and all the time we are awake it makes tears. When the front of the eye feels itself becoming a little too dry or dusty a commu-

��UPHOlSTtRtD^ LAYtR

���A Wrestling Dummy Which Welcomes Rough Handling

WILLIAM P.ARMSTRONG of Washington, D. C, has invented a wrestling dummy which will find favor with wrest- ling teams. At the present time there is no gymnasium apparatus available with which wrestlers can practice. With the dummy illustrated they can go through many of the movements they would assume in tackling and throwing a living opponent. The figure is shaped so that no protruding points will injure the one prac- ticing with it. The head portion of the figure is nearly round, the arms are stubbed, and the base, although heavy, is padded and upholstered. The en- tire body CQnsists of ^,. ,. a canvas suit fitted ov^r raw cotton, excelsior, hair or any other yielding material. The device is supported oh an upright board embedded securely in the base of heavy wood.

In order to throw the figure to the floor the wrestler must se- cure a hold on it and exert considerable force before it will yield. The dummy is light enough to be used at home.

���The foot supports are fastened securely in sockets and strapped to the poles

���The figure is padded and covered with canvas so that it can be pounded vigorously without any harm being done

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