The Iceland year-book - 01.01.1926, Side 38

as a simple beverage these waters have a flavour
unsurpassed by any artificial table waters. ,,Many
of the hot springs have long been used in
Curative a more or less crude way for the treat-
ivells. ment of rheumatism and kindred ail-
ments, but many are still awaiting the
study and the tests of the analyst, while the
numerous strange natural vapour baths, even
without any really proper methods and means of
appliance, have shown themselves efficacious in
more than one variety of gout.*
The kind of physical exercise, moreover, most
readily obtainable in Iceland, is also the most
valuable for the classes of invalids who usually
frequent health resorts. It is no unimportant
matter, though it be but a negative blessing, that
the victim of indigestion is not constantly exposed
here to the temptation of carriage or car. For al-
though the Government of Iceland, in view of its
* Remarkable instances of curing rheumatism, gout and
kindred ills by the use of these vaporous baths have been
effected in the last few years, although the methods and
appliances used have been of the most primitive kind. A
new use for the hot springs has lately been found in the
heating of buildings, even large public buildings, and the
soil of vegetable gardens, making it possible to cultivate
garden plants throughout the winter. The first heating
installation of this kind on a large scale was made in
1920, in the Alafoss Cloth Mills. The results obtained here
immediately established beyond all doubt the exceptional
merits of the system. These mills, driven by water power,
are only 16 km. (10 miles) from Reykjavik, and in view
of the short distance, most visitors find inspection worth
while. The proprietor is alwrays pleased to receive those
who desire to see these practical applications of natural
pow'er.
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