Show MUD BATHS how the Mash liko mixture I 1 prepared for tho patients the hot springs of new mexico says a gentleman from las vegas aro on tho santa fe railroad six miles from las vegas and they are situated in a basin about 30 acres in extent surrounded on all sides by hills rising to a height of from to feet shielding tho place from wind and sand storms the mud batha which are famous for their curative effects are only to be had in two places in the world here and at carlsbad germany and it has been shown that the mud found at tho hot springs of new mexico and which is used in giving the baths is of the same chemical composition as that of carlsbad it is very interesting to note tha formation of this mud or peat it is formed by the vegetation which has been washed down from the hills probably a century ago and which settling among the rocks has become decomposed and formed into a substance which ia practically carbon impregnated with baits magnesia soda lithia and various other ingredients this peat ia gathered from the rocks dried and put through a fine sieve in order to remove the silicates and after this treatment it is as soft as flour it is then taken to the mixing room where it is put in largo tubs and the water from the hot springs mixed with it nn til it is of about the consistency of mush the mud is now ready for use and it ia taken into the bathing room where the patient is placed in a tub and covered with the exception of the head and allowed to remain in the mud for from 10 to 85 minutes the application of the mud has an effect similar to a mild poultice and draws the impurities from ha body through the pores of the akin the patient is then removed from the bath placed upon a slab and submitted to a vigorous rubbing the chemical composition of the mud being such that it can be rubbed from the body with a dry towel leaving the flesh in a clean condition A great many people como to this place to take the mud bath treatment and some marvelous cures are effected in one instance I 1 remember to have seen a man who was all drawn up with rheumatism and after two aweeka of this treatment he had been relieved the treatment is especially beneficial to persons afflicted with neuralgia rheumatism and akin diseases denver republican |