PROCEEDINGS OF THE COTTESWOLD CLUB 223 



One or two of these processes, where a certain propor- 

 tion of dissolved gutta-percha is added to the mass, have 

 proved very successful. Other machines have been used 

 for the conversion of odds and ends of leather into heels, 

 by cementing them together, building them up layer by 

 layer and then subjecting them to great pressure to secure 

 cohesion ; the resulting product is called, I believe, in the 

 trade, " pasted-stock." Many and wonderful are the 

 transformations bv which old shoes and boots are con- 

 verted into new ones, bright and resplendent, under 

 the skilful manipulation of an individual called the 

 " Translator." 



Jelly has been made out of old boots, the maker 

 averring that it was the purest gelatine. If the price of 

 old boots should be so much advanced by this last 

 discovery as to go towards paying for a new pair, what a 

 start it will give to the boot and shoe trade. 



A curious application is the utilization of the acicular 

 leaflets of pine trees. Near Breslau, in Silesia, are two 

 establishments, one a factory, where the pine leaves are 

 converted into what is called "forest wool" or "wadding" ; 

 the other an establishment for invaHds, where the waters 

 used in the manufacture of this pine wool are employed 

 as curative agents. Several cases of these products have 

 been exhibited, containing specimens of the manufacture 

 in the shape of wool for stuffing mattresses and other 

 articles of furniture instead of horse-hair ; wadded blankets 

 and vegetable wadding : hygienic flannel for medical 

 purposes ; essential oil for rheumatism and skin diseases ; 

 cloth made from the fibre ; articles of dress such as vests, 

 hose, shirts, coverlets, &c. The liquid remaining from 

 the decoction of the leaves is used for medical baths. 

 The membranous substances and refuse are compressed 

 into blocks and used for fuel, and from the resinous 

 matter they contain sufficient gas is produced for illumina- 

 ting the factorv. It is asserted that articles made of this 



