[ I40 ] 



gering its being fpoiled by getting wet, it would be 

 of great advantage to the community if the aftrin- 

 gent qualities of the bark could be extra6ted on the 

 fpot where it grows, and reduced to the confiftency 

 of a thick eflence. By this means, the virtues of 

 a large bulk of bark might be colledled into a 

 finall fpace, which would make a great faving both 

 in the freight and inland carriage,- and render it a 

 ftaple commodity for trade. 



On confidering the fubjeft attentively, I am of 

 opinion, that the fcheme is practicable, and would 

 anfwer extremely well. With refpe6l to the pro- 

 cefs, this extra6l muft firft be made either by de- 

 coflion or infufion ; and then the watery particles 

 muft be evaporated, to reduce it to the confiftency 

 defired, in fuch a manner as not to lofe any of the 

 qualities neceftary in tanning. 



Suppofe the operator has at his command a 

 common family brew-houfe, with its necefTary 

 utenfils: let him procure a ton of good oak-bark, 

 ground as ufual for the pit; and having placed a 

 ftrainer to the mafti-tub, fill it two- thirds with the 

 bark; heat as much water, nearly boiling, as will 

 fufficiently moiften it, and mafh it well together. 

 After it has ftood about two hours, draw it off 



clear. 



