Rensselaer Republican, Volume 16, Number 32, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 April 1884 — Hints on Shoveling. [ARTICLE]

Hints on Shoveling.

Nearly all the annoyances of winter, says the Philadelphia Call, arise from the fact that people do not know how to meet and manage them. Of these getting the snow cleared off the pavement is the most troublesome, and causes no end of late arrivals at places of business and an untold amottnt ol suffering from headache. All this can be avoided by attention to a few simple rules, based on scientific, mechanical, and anatomical facts: First, borrow a shovel. Next procure a pair of warm mittens, a neck-wrap of some kind, a bottle of arnica, and a chest protector. Now you are ready for work. Open the front door and push some of the snow from the front step. Now, having donned overshoes, which we forgot to mention, slip out and close the door after you, being careful to fix the dead-latch so it will not lock. Take the shovel in your right hand, the thumb upward and the fingers clasped firmly but not too tightly around the handle. Many persons cramp their fingers by taking too close a grip, a practice which also tends to irritate the tender skin on the inside of the palm. Best the steel end of the shovel on the step and, placing one foot a little behind the other, let the handle sink of its own weight to an angle of forty-five degrees. Be careful about this angle, for up to this time the principle of a pivot is being used, and if the angle is more acute than forty-five degrees it will be a sign that you are obtuse. . Now bring forward the left hand and gently grasp the handle just two-thirds of the way from the top, raising the implement about seven and a half inches into the air for that purpose. If you take hold too low you force your’ right arm to do double work, as the left hand is merely a movable fulcrum. If too high the evil is increased, The shovel, if properly made, will nearly balance when the left hand is in just the right spot, and after q few experiments this point can be de-> termined and if necessary indicated by a pencil mark. It is well now to slowly swing the shovel back and forth in the air, with the hand in the positions indicated, un, til yon acquire the proper motion. Next in order, not to get out oj breath, tW steps, straighten your back bone, throw bach your shoulders, and inhale the exhilarating, antiseptic winter air. Now look up and down the street until you see a boy. Beckon to him. When he comes strike a bargain with Dim; give him the job and go in to breakfast.