ORGANS. 183 



PIANO-FORTES. 



It is yet a subject of inquiry, to what extent caoutchouc may 

 be applied to the construction of piano-fortes ; but it is confi- 

 dently expected that caoutchouc veneers will be substituted 

 in their manufacture for wood veneers, on account of their 

 cheapness and durability, their not being liable to warp, as well 

 as their susceptibility of receiving a variety of ornamental styles 

 of finish, more beautiful than wood. The ivory compound is 

 suitable for the black keys. 



As early as 1845 or '46 the writer applied the vulcanized 

 gum-elastic to piano-forte hammers. The experiment did not 

 then result in any improvement. Since that time, the various 

 fabrics having been made of every grade of texture, from the 

 softest kid to that of ivory, and these various textures being made 

 susceptible of combination indifferent layers, it is presumed that 

 this application will eventually become quite successful. 



INSTRUMENT KEY STOPS. 



The water-proof quality and softness of the gum-elastic sponge 

 fabric, and also of the elastic compounds, render these fabrics 

 well adapted for key stops for musical instruments. 



They are most completely made in moulds, with the inside of 

 sponge and the outside of elastic compound, the back being 

 napped with fibre for cementing to the key. 



ORGANS. 



The extent of the application of caoutchouc to the construc- 

 tion of organs, is, as in the case of some other instruments, in 

 some degree a matter of conjecture. There is, however, little 

 doubt but that the pipes may be advantageously made of caout- 

 chouc whalebone or ivory. The bellows also may be made of 

 plated canvas, which will no doubt answer this purpose better 

 than leather. 



