Hi

Manure...An interesting fact

Manure: In the 16th and 17th centuries, everything had to be transported by ship and 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 ', (Ship High In Transit) 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 had always thought it was a golf term

TBWG

That's a fascinating story. Now I hope it will be recognized that we should not be censored for describing our fertilizer materials and freely expressing ourselves and our frustrations with this historic term.

Wonderfull info that succesfully complements the wonderfull pages written by Kundera on the 'Kitsch of shit'

I am happy I'll fall asleep more educated tonight

I found it really interesting! Had no idea. Tnx.

I found it really interesting! Had no idea. Tnx.

Oh Dear

It has been pointed out to me that I am talking a load of BU****IT

See http://www.snopes.com/language/acronyms/shit.asp

Mind you I still like the story!

TBWG

Coals to Newcastle springs to mind. The World if full of the stuff.

Some places more than others.

Regards.