The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-07-24
QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS

not be permanently changed by any
means. 1t Is true, however, that COW
in high state of flesh at time Of
oalving gives richer milk for a short
time than one thin in flesh.
Q,-why is It unlucky to have 10 at
dinner7-B. B.
A.-The common superstition that it
is unlucky to have l3 at table has
reference, no doubt to the Last Sup
per of Our Lord and His Disciples.
Q.-what was the balm of Gilead?"
e. A. U.
A.-The name balm of GiIead" is
generally applied to a liquid reslnous
for its fragrance, but for the medicinal
properties It is supposed to possess.
This balsam is mentioned not only In
the Bible, but also celebrated by Strabo,
Pliny. Diodorus, Siculus and other
ancient writer's as cure for almost
every disease.
o,--who were the first navigators?
Awhile Ancient Egypt knew ships
which would sail upon the Nile, credit
Is usually given to the Phoenicians for
the building OF galleys which could
stand sea travel. AS early as 900 B. C.,
the Phoenician war galley had reached
the trireme stage and had decks, masts.
yards, stays, sails, etc.
Q.-what are circular numbers?-
A.-Numbers whose powers end with
the same figures as do the numbers
themselves; all numbers ending 0, !, 3
and 6 are circular numbers since In
raising such numbers to any power the
result will stand end in 0, l., and 6,
respectively $50 x So So, or 81 81 or
3 X 5 81.
Q-Give brief but comprehensive
description Of the Plumb Plan for rail-
road adjustment?-E. p. II,
A.-Thls is plan for the ownership
their democratic operation by repre-
sentatives OF the public and the en-
ployes. II proposes to buy the rail-
roads by issuing government bonds
with which to pay for the legitimate
private interests in the railroad indus
try. II proposes to operate them by
a board OF Is directors, five named by
the president to represent the public
five elected by the executive operating
officers. five elected by the classified
employees. The earnings will be used,
first to pay operating expenses and
fixed charges, such as interest on the
debt, and a sinking fund charge to re-
duce and finally pay off the outstand-
ing securities Any surplus due TO eff
ficiency OF operation would be divided
according to savings sharing plan.
Q.--Do some kinds OF snakes kin rat
tlesnakes?--G. |. T.
A.-The common king snake or chain
snake is an enemy Of the rattlesnake
and remnants of poisonous snakes are
often found in the stomachs of this and
other species, Rattlcsnakes and other
poisonous snakes should be killed. but
snakes should be spared |
and protected as they rank among the
best friends OF the farmer and the |
gardener.
OIL was told the other day that |
there are now more people in Chicago |
than In the entire state OF Iowa. Is |
This so?-R. f. n.
A.-The census bureau states that |
'hicago now has a population of 2,
7Ol. 212, The estimated population OF
iowa, in 1919. was 2,22A77l.
Q.-Can tomatoes be skinned without |
A.-Hold the tomato firmly and |
scrape 1t with a pairing knife as II |
fuzz from a peach. II the |
tomato il fairly ripe. the skin will be |
The flavor is not impaired as 1t is by |
Q.-Are the grandchildren Of Presi
lent Wilson boys or grls?--K. l.. c.
AIR and Mrs. Francis b Sayre |
Jessie Woodrow WILSON, have two lit |
le boys, Francis b, Jr., and Woodrow |
wilson, while Mr. and Mrs. W. G.
-
AVE two daughters, Ellen AXsen and |
Mary Faith,
Q.-what is camel coal and where |
3 It mined?-C. L. d.
A.--Caunel coal is a grade OF bitumi- |
,ous coal believed to have originated |
rom materials different from those in |
,ther Goals 1t is characterized by Its |
ligh percentage Of volatile matter and !
Is ready burning with a long flame. |
'auncl coal Is used In the manutac- |
urc Of Illuminating gas and as do
nestle fuel for open CRATE fires, 1t |
s mined in Missouri and Kentucky
Q--Are gorillas in captivity savage
md unruly y. NJ
A. Young gorilas are occasionally |
.aptured and several have reached Eu- |
opo and America In spite Of great |,
arc. only one OF these survived more |
han IS months before sucCumhing to |
unE disease. while in captivity they |
,ecm OF docuc disposition, showing |
rats and ability to learn very similar |
,inds Of food and having a childish |
Ondness for their friends and for noise |
making amusements.
Q.-Is II true that player was
truck by lightning during ball game |
md was able to continue?-R \. p
A-This did happen to Ray Caldwell |
while pitching his first game as mem |
YER OF the Cleveland team on Aug, s,
pie The Indians had the Athletics |
tp ! in the ninth inning, when cad
veil was stunned by lightning and Tel!
o the ground. He recovered. resumed |
,itching and put out pugan. the last |
nan IN, who was at bat when Cald-
veil was struck.
@ How long have shoes been worn?
M y. /
4 The sandal the earliest and sim
,lcst shoe, was known by the most |
Primitive races and was certainly worn /
W the ancient Egyptians. The Hitttes
wore shoes. often with CATERS above
O protect the ankle and calf Of the leg
@ What Is a samovar?--M S. G.
A This Is a copper urn extensively |
,sed I'm Russia and eastern countries,
n which water Is kept boiling for the
making Of tea, live charcoal being placed
n a tube which passes up through
he center ot the urn. Similar vessels
IRE used in China for keeping soups
lot at table.
@ How much does bushel Of wheat
yeigh?-H II,
"A bushel is now regarded as a
efinite weight rather than measure
4 cubic contents Various products,
Ioweyer, have different weights TO the
,ushel Wheat. according to the bu-
eau Of crop estimates, weighs go pounds
o the bushcl
Q-On what railroad is the spiral
urvc IT. L, r,
A.-This Is on the Canadian Pacific