Page:Popular Mechanics 1928 01.pdf/67

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POPULAR MECHANICS
65

POLLEN COLLECTORS HELPING HAY FEVER VICTIMS

The old saying that it is an ill ind that blows no one good is well illustrated in the case of two enterprising former students of the University of California, who conduct a profitable business in collecting pollen to be studied by the hay-fever experts. The tiny grains are bottled and sold for $1 to $6 per gram, depending upon the variety. The pollen is analyzed in laboratories to determine if it is, of a kind that contributes to hay fever troubles and, if found "guilty," efforts are made to eradicate the weeds that produce it, or serums and other substances are prepared to combat it.

Weighing Pollen, and Some of the Plants Collected for the Dust: the Pollen Is Believed to Spread Hay Fever and a Curb Is Sought by Destroying Plants That Produce the Harmful Kinds


WHEN A SHIP IS ARRESTED

According to maritime law, ships, like men, can be arrested for failure of the owners to pay just claims against them. Some large ports have a special dock which is used as a sort of marine lockup. In case of an arrest, a sheriff's officer usually comes aboard, shows a warrant of arrest to the captain and nails the document to the mast. The ship is then legally a prisoner. According to British maritime law, anyone who has done any service for the ship, such as towing, repairing, lending money or even laboring as a seaman, can demand payment from the owners and, if this is not forthcoming, arrest proceedings are authorized. Sails, gear or other instruments can be taken to the amount of the claim. When a ship rams another, or fouls it and then steams off without making good the damage, it may be arrested within three miles of any British port.