GOODYEAR ON GUM-ELASTIC. 



handle, or so shaped and otherwise stiffened as to need no 

 handle. They do not remove dust from some cloths so well as 

 bristle brushes, but in every respect they may be said to answer 

 the general purposes of a brush far better than bristles ; and they 

 are decidedly more effective than any other brush for cleaning 

 silk and cotton velvets, also silks and crapes. If any persons 

 are disposed to question the utility of these brushes, let them 

 consider the peculiar property of gum-elastic, and its usefulness 

 in cleaning paper, and they will not doubt that it may also be 

 adapted to the purposes here specified. 



PORTABLE CRUSHES. 



These are also made of coarsely embossed elastic compound, 

 or vellum, or gum-elastic sponge, so constructed as to be inflated 

 with the self-acting valve tube like other air- work, as represented 

 in plate xiii., fig. 1. The same properties attach to them as to 

 the brushes before described, with one other advantage, they 

 can be packed in a very small compass when collapsed. 



SCRUBS. 



Scrubs are made of caoutchouc sponge or packing fastened 

 upon blocks of different kinds, with or without handles, according 

 to the use for which they are designed. They are fast getting 

 into favor for scouring vessel's decks, and for the scrubbing 

 of floors. They are incomparably more durable and economical 

 than bristles. A nautical term, that of squeal-gee, is also applied 

 to this article with a handle. See plate xvi., fig. 1, 



