Cheese Mining
This cheese mine is situated in Schweiserkase country between Neufchatel and Bris. More cheese is mined here annually than in any other cheese mine in the world. The difficulties encountered in making the picture will be realized from the fact that owing to the peculiar properties of the cheese no ordinary person can approach within three miles of the mine without fatal results. Charmingly natural pictures of the everyday life of the cheese miners have been made. Despite the desperate hardships of their lives they remain carefree and joyous. It is said that one reason for their happiness is owing to the fact that no animal life is able to exist in the mine. Particularly interesting is old Gasper, the windlass turner. While Gasper is hoisting a miner up the thousand feet from the perilous depths below, he occasionally grows tired, or becomes interested in something or other, and drops the handle. Old Gasper takes a natural pride in his record, and puts a chalk mark on the door for each new victim. Leaving this gentle old soul, we plunge into the mine proper. Here the miners are equipped with the famous invention of Herr Von Buffengrunts, a clothespin clamped securely upon the nose, which by completely cutting off breath, guards the olfactory nerves from contact with the deadly fumes. After preliminary borings have been made, the cheese is blasted from its place by means of small charges of high-proof talcum powder. These large blocks of cheese are removed to the trimming yard, where they are reduced by means of chisel, saw and axe, to the proper market size. One of the most interesting features of the entire industry is the punching room, where artistic holes are made in the popular brands of Swiss cheese.
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