162 THE QUALITY OF LEATHER. 



binations would not be considered "flashy," though admit- 

 tedly not quite sombre. 



The distinctions that are made regarding the various 

 types of harness are drawn from a careful study of those 

 receiving the approval of the judges of the National Horse 

 Show in New York City. 



THE QUALITY OF LEATHER. 



If all of the best harness firms dealt in none but articles 

 of the highest grade, the tyro could feel assured that by 

 going to such dealers he would be supplied with good ma- 

 terial, but unfortunately competition and ignorance of pa- 

 trons make it necessary for these dealers to keep goods of 

 inferior quality; and it is therefore advisable for a purchaser, 

 if he desires the best, to learn what really constitutes good 

 harness. The following condensed explanation of the prep- 

 aration of hide for harness, and a few subsequent remarks 

 on harness of different qualities and workmanship, are given 

 to supply the little information that can be conveyed by 

 description : 



Neat's pelts, /. e., the skins of heifers and steers, are the best material in 

 the production of leather for harness. The skins are first soaked in water 

 and then either placed in lime pits or hung up until the hair becomes loose 

 and can be removed. The skins are next submitted to a series of oak bark 

 baths of increasing strength, but the cheaper grades of leather are tanned 

 with chemicals. When the leather is thoroughly tanned it is again soaked 

 and then curried, /. <?., shaved to make it of uniform thickness. The dirt 

 stains have now to be removed by scouring before the skin can be treated 

 with a dressing of tallow and oil which makes it soft and waterproof. The 

 last process is that of dyeing the leather black or japanning to produce what 

 is known as patent or enamelled leather. 



Good leather is expensive for reasons which will be at 



