106 EXAMELLED CLOTH, OR AMERICAN ARTIFICIAL LEATHER. 



fibrous or inner bark is removed in long strips, and sewn together into 

 sacks. Thus, the important physiological function of the bark itself is 

 still performed uninterruptedly by horizontal communications — that is, 

 by means of what are called medullary rays or silver grain, extending from 

 the centre of the stem into the bark. 



This tree is interesting in regard to its vegetable structure, affording an 

 instance of the useful purposes to which the liber or endojMceum may be 

 applied ; while its botanical characters involve the consideration of the 

 affinity existing between two Natural Orders — namely, Artocaqiece and 

 Urticece. Its habit is that of an Artocarpeae ; but in some, of its features it 

 is allied to the Urticese. Indeed, it is at first sight like the upas-tree. 



In Western India, a tree of a similar kind is found. 



I much regret that my endeavours to obtain flowering specimens have 

 hitherto been unsuccessful. I can only, therefore, state its botanical cha- 

 racters in general terms : 



A very lofty tree, attaining to the height of 100 feet, and of slow growth. 

 Eoot above-ground at the base of the stem. Stem straight, terete. Branches 

 ascending, lateral, and crowned at the top, abounding in milky juice. 

 Leaves oblong, acuminate, covered with a brownish down below, scabrous 

 above like the leaf of a fig, articulated, alternate, most entire, with a little 

 tendency to become crenulate, or coriaceous ; 4 to 6-| inches in length from 

 base to apex, and If to 2| inches in breadth. Petiole, very short, i of an 

 inch. Stipules, deciduous. Inflorescence, not seen. Fruit, a drupe, in 

 size and shape like a marble. Seed, one. The pericarp is greedily 

 devoured by bats ; but they never touch the seed, which is intensely bitter. 



Colombo, Ceylon. 



ENAMELLED CLOTH, OR AMERICAN ARTIFICIAL LEATHER. 

 As we published in a former number (p. 64) a communication on the Japan 

 imitation leather, it may be useful to give now a few details respecting the 

 American imitation leather, or enamel cloth of commerce, which enters 

 into many uses as a substitute for leather. It is light and pliable, — having 

 all the appearance of leather, with some of its durability. The black 

 enamelled cloth is the kind most largely in use ; but the method of making 

 the different colours is essentially the same, the black being the foundation, 

 and the colours afterwards applied by hand. The basis of the black 

 is cotton cloth of the best quality, made expressly for the purpose. It 

 varies in texture and width, according to the kind of goods for which it is 

 intended, the width being from thirty-four to fifty-four inches. The cloth 

 is taken from the bale, and wound upon a large iron cylinder, in which 

 position it is ready to receive its first coat, by being slowly passed through 

 the machine across and between the huge iron cylinders, from the smaller 

 of which, at the top, it receives its first coating of composition — a mixture 



