Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 22, Number 5, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 October 1900 — Curious Cradles. [ARTICLE]

Curious Cradles.

In the palm region of the Amazon River there is a tribe which cradles their infants in palm leaves. A single leaf, turned up around the edges by some native process, makes an excellent cradle, and now and then it is made to do service as a bath tub. Strong cords are formed from the fibers of another species of palm, and by these this natural cradle is swung alongside a tree, and the wind rocks the little one to sleep. Long ago the Amazonian mothers discovered that It was not wise to leave baby and cradle under a cocoa palm, for the mischievous monkey delighted to drop nuts downward with unerring precision. An older child is stationed near by to watch the baby during his- siesta, and the chatter of monkeys overhead Is enough to cause a speedy migration. If you once get Into the habit of telling the truth you will find it much easier than lying.