Democratic Sentinel, Volume 16, Number 19, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 May 1892 — How Women Bathe In Parls. [ARTICLE]

How Women Bathe In Parls.

The Seine Is a narrow, greenish, snake-like river, and it does not look inviting from a distance. But on entering the swimming baths formed of boat-like sides, containing the dressing-rooms, it looks clear and cool. Black bathing dresses trimmed with red braid can be hired for a franc upward, and hundreds of ladies, with their children, daily afford themselves amusement at these places. There Is no effort at fashion, gentlemen not admitted, and the top being covered by canvas to shield them from the eyes of people on embankment or boulevarda Swimmers among the attendants are frequent, and they dive and float, swim and sink at will, and teach the children and ladies to do the same. Some of the French Women are expert swimmers, an(l they go. around in their black, baggy suits, chasing about the platforms, eating sandwiches qr drinking penny syrups or clarets and end the performance by (Jiving Into the water and swimming a race. Trapezes, swings, etc., are suspended above the water and gymnastic exercises are indulged in by the younger and more ambitious. On leaving the baths they dry their hair sufficiently, put a crimped peruke over their straight locks, a dash of powder and a bit of lip salve —a .stick of which every French woman carries in her pocket—to slightly color and eliminate any dryness, and with a deft adjustment of the inevitable black veil, my lady is well coiffed, and if her dress be suitable, can take a drive before going home.