268 Manufacture of Catgut Strings. 



the same time, in their form and construction, that tenuity, or 

 smallness of diameter, which is required to produce a brilliant 

 and clear tone. The inconvenience arising from their breaking 

 when in use, and the expense in the case of harps, where so 

 many are required, are such as to render it highly desirable to 

 improve a manufacture, which, to many of your readers, may 

 however appear sufficiently contemptible. 



It is well known to physiologists, that the membranes of 

 lean animals are far more tough than those of animals that are 

 fat or in high condition ; and there is no reason to doubt that 

 the superiority of the Italian strings arises from the state of the 

 sheep in that country. In London,, where no lean animals are 

 slaughtered, and where, indeed, an extravagant and useless 

 degree of fattening^ at least for the purpose of food, is induced 

 on sheep in particular, it is easy to comprehend why their 

 membranes can never afford a material of the requisite tenacity. 

 It is less easy to suggest an adequate remedy ; but a knowledge 

 of the general principle, should this notice meet the eyes of 

 those interested in the subject, may at least serve the purpose 

 of diminishing the evil and improving the manufacture, by 

 inducing them to choose in the market the offal of such carcases 

 as appear least overwhelmed with exuberant fat. It is probable 

 that such a manufacture might be advantageously established 

 in those parts of the country where the fashion has not, as in 

 London, led to the use of meat so far over fed; and it is equally 

 likely, that in the choice of sheep for this purpose, advantage 

 would arise from using the Welch, the Highland, or the South- 

 down breeds, in preference to those which, like the Lincoln, 

 are prone to excessive accumulations of fat. It is equally pro- 

 bable, that sheep dying of some of the diseases accompanied by 

 emaciation, would be peculiarly adapted to this purpose. 



That these suggestions are not merely speculative is proved 

 by comparing the strength of the membranes in question, or 

 that of the other membranous parts, in the unfattened Highland 

 sheep, with that of those found in the London markets ; and 

 although a project for putting them to a practical trial, which 

 was suggested some years ago at this place, has not succeeded. 



