THE SCIENTIFIC ASPECTS OF TANNING. 8o 



in every respect, as that which we now produce? Some 

 tanneries^ no doubt, gave a superior leather, but the majority- 

 would not pass muster in the present day. The ingredient used 

 by our forefathers was oak bark, with which it was almost 

 impossible to go far wrong. The tanning was a lengthy one, 

 reaching often over two years. Where would such a tanner be 

 in these days of competition r It is true the article was in many 

 cases, good, tough, flexible, and everlasting in wear. But the 

 leather of the present, partakes somewhat of the character of the 

 age. Better leather was never made in England, than we can 

 show you now. But the demand is not for boots which will last 

 for four or live years, but for cheap and new fabrics, with a 

 certain style about them ; some of which will barely survive a 

 good shower. 



The French soldier during the war of 1870, found 3 or 4 days 

 sufficient to demoralize his boots 3 but the rank and file of the 

 British army now, are shod with the best leather the country 

 produces. 



In 1828 the value of the leather exported, was barely ^^ 163,461 -, 

 in 187J, it had attained to the large amount of £3>^^^A13- 

 English leather of the best quality is supplied to the principal 

 markets of the continent, and bids fair to hold its ground. 



We notice that in 1828, the duties paid to the customs, were on 



Hides ... ... ... £33,9^1 



Skins ...' ... ... 22,437 



Leather, Gloves, etc. ... ... 21,600 



Total ... £n>9S^ 



Whilst ;/^76,747 was obtained from the import of chip and straw 

 hats. 



In 1873, the value of hides and skins imported was 

 ^^9,500,000. Ths value of tanned leather, imported in 1875, 

 reached the amount of ;^2, 768,089. Thus far with statistics. 



