MIMOSA. 193 



Carthagena, and other places within the tropics for 

 tanning hides, and might be advantageously imported 

 into this country, and afforded to the tanner upon 

 even cheaper terms than oak bark. The seed-pods 

 of the dividivi are pounded in a mortar, and then 

 steeped in water in large vats ; when the water is 

 well impregnated the hide is thrown into soak for 

 four hours, and is then taken out to be rough-dressed 

 and replaced in the vat for another four hours, and 

 this process is repeated till the hide is well tanned, 

 which is here the operation of a couple of days. 



** Such is the rude process adopted in South 

 America, which, though defective in many particulars, 

 is found to answer the purpose proposed. By 

 grinding the pods of the dividivi in the same manner 

 as bark, and macerating them in warm water, by 

 which the solution of the tanning principle contained 

 in them would be rendered more complete and 

 expeditious, an increased economy both of time and 

 materials would be effected, and the process might 

 by other improvements in the manipulation, which 

 the experience of the tanner cannot fail to suggest, 

 be abridged still farther and rendered more effectual, 

 so as to reduce the present price of leather very con- 

 siderably." 



