BATHING MATS. 341 



PORTABLE FOOT BATHS. 



These are made of strong plated canvas, as represented in 

 the plate, figs. 6 and 7, with the rims and braces arranged in the 

 same manner as in the portable bath tubs already described, 

 and they may, like them, be packed in a small compass for 

 transportation. 



BATHING MATS. 



These are made of gum-elastic vellum, plated cloth, or plated 

 muslin, from three to six feet square ; and are also made round, 

 from three to five feet in diameter, as represented in plate , 

 figs. 8, 9 and 10. The cheapest article of the kind, fig. 8, is made 

 with a cord of elastic sponge or cotton rope, cemented in around 

 the edge, to prevent the water from running oflf the mat when 

 in use. Figs. 9 and 10 represent an improved bathing mat, made 

 with a border inflated with air around the edge, instead of the 

 cord as above described. This border is inflated with the self- 

 acting valve tube, described page . The advantage gained 

 by this improvement is this, when the border is collapsed it is 

 much the most portable, and it therefore admits of a much larger 

 border being used, than can be obtained with the cheaper article 

 made with a cord. Both these articles will be found very useful 

 in families for bathing. They are also a great convenience and 

 comfort for the same purpose to persons travelling, particularly 

 when the hand shower bath is used. When the tubes are made 

 large enough, or when one is placed above another, as represented 

 by fig. 11, they may be made to answer all the purposes of the 

 bath tub, especially for children. 



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