An amusing incident occurred recently in a factory where a large lifting
magnet is used in connection with a crane to carry pig iron through the
shop. Just as the operator was bringing it across the shop unloaded, he
saw two laborers ahead of him in altercation. One held a short pinch bar
and the other a heavy shovel. As he approached, they both raised their
tools like weapons. In a flash the operator switched on the current and
the two men stood as if transfixed, hanging desperately to their weapons
that were held aloft as by some giant’s hand. The laughter of everyone
who saw the tableau ended the quarrel.
* * * * *
Why is the Thistle the Emblem of Scotland?
According to tradition, the Danes were attempting to surprise an
encampment of the Scotch one night, and had come very near to it without
being observed, when a Dane stepped on a thistle and its sharp points
made him cry out with pain. The Scotch were then awakened and succeeded
in defeating their assailants. Ever since that time the thistle has been
made the insignia of Scotland.
How are Animals Identified on Cattle Ranges?
The question of how to mark animals started with the first stock
raisers. In those days the main object was to provide some way animals
could be identified as to ownerships, and many crude and more or less
cruel methods were used, such as notching or lopping off part of the ear
or branding with a hot iron, burning a letter or figure often ten or
twelve inches high on the side of an animal. Branding in this way was
used mostly by cattle raisers when large herds were grazed on the
western plains. The large brand made it possible for cowboys on
horseback to separate the cattle of different owners, as the brand could
be seen at some distance.
[Illustration: _Courtesy of Wilcox & Harvey Mfg. Co._