64 GOODYEAR ON GUM -ELASTIC. 



flasks of caoutchouc whalebone, and stiffened with hoops and 

 bands of wood or iron. Demijohns of this sort may be highly 

 recommended for containing acids, which soon destroy willow 

 coverings ; and also for wines and liquors, which improve by 

 being kept from the light. One important consideration in the 

 use of these demijohns is, that there is no danger of the loss of 

 the contents, even if the glass breaks, or of other goods being 

 damaged from the spilling of acids, which often happens from 

 the breaking of demijohns. See plate , fig. . 



WASHBOARDS. 



These boards are made with a covering of elastic sponge, 

 moulded in the common form of wash-boards. Few specimens 

 of the articles have yet been made, but from the trial that 

 has been made of them they may be expected to give satisfac- 

 tion, although the first cost may prove a hindrance to their 

 general use. The elastic sponge will probably also be found 

 useful in its application, among the numerous varieties of wash- 

 ing machines that are now made wholly of wood. 



SIEVES. 



The hoops of this article may be manufactured of caoutchouc 

 board, whalebone or other suitable materials. For the sieve or 

 strainer, perforated elastic compound or whalebone is used. How 

 far this article will be adopted for common use, remains to be 

 seen ; but the inventor is of opinion, that in certain cases, they 

 will be found highly useful for straining or cleansing articles or 

 chemicals that corrode, and destroy haircloth or wire sieve. 



