[emerita]

OK...This is a Strange but true thread. Put here any thing weird ....but it has to be thought true....


Subject: Word Definition


Exciting Historical information you need to know about shipping Manure:

In the 16th and 17th centuries, everything had to be transported by
ship. It was
also before commercial fertilizer's invention, so large shipments of
manure were
common. It was shipped dry, because in dry form it weighed a lot less
than when
wet, but once water (at sea) hit it, it not only became heavier, but
the process of
fermentation began again, of which a by-product is methane gas.

As the stuff was stored below decks in bundles you can see what could
(and
did) happen. Methane began to build up below decks and the first time
someone
came below at night with a lantern, BOOOOM! Several ships were
destroyed in
this manner before it was determined just what was happening. After
that,
the bundles of manure were always stamped with the term "Ship High In
Transit"
on them which meant for the sailors to stow it high enough off the
lower decks
so that any water that came into the hold would not touch this volatile
cargo
and start the production of methane.

Thus evolved the term "S.H.I.T," which has come down through the
centuries and
is in use to this very day.

You probably did not know the true history of this word.

Neither did I.

I always thought it was a golf term.