196 [Assembly 



The labor in the loft and peeling bark during the above five years, 

 was 8,820 days. One man will work through the beam-house in one 

 year, 6,260.sides. One man will tan and finish 2,228 sides. One 

 cord of bark tans 196 lbs. 



The question has been frequently asked me, how long does it take 

 to tan sole leather ? I answer, from four to six months, accord- 

 ing to the strength of the liquor and number of sides in the vats; 

 and the quicker tanned the better. I would here remark that several 

 considerations must be noticed in order to meet the questions under- 

 standingly, and — 



1st. I should say that the weight of the hides, every one knows, 

 if heavy, requires more time than if comparatively light. 



2d. If the hides are fresh they are capable of being properly 

 softened, and if so, the process of tanning may be completed much 

 sooner than in the case of old and hard hides, that cannot be soft- 

 ened with the same facility. 



3d. If the hides have sufficient room in the vats, so as not to lay 

 crowded, they, will tan much faster. 



4th, As the tanning advances, the liquor should be renewed sea- 

 sonably, and its strength increased in a ratio proportionate to each 

 stage of tanning. 



5th. The question, is the leather to be tanned so as to barely pass 

 in market, or to be well prepared so as to make firm and solid 

 leather? involves a consideration of much importance. 



It would be easy to extend this communication, but I will not 

 tire the reader's patience wnth unnecessary details. Desirous of 

 contributing my mite to the industrial occupations of life, I have 

 thrown together, in my plain matter-of-fact manner, only such facts 

 and figures as it appeared to me would be of service to my brother 

 mechanics; and if they prove so, I shall feel amply rewarded for the 

 trifling contribution thus made to the general stock of knowledge — 

 as the design of life is to be useful. 



With great respect, 



I have the honor to be 



Yours, truly, 



Z. PRATT. 



