276 GOODYEAR ON GUM-ELASTIC. 



some modification of the fabric for this use has, until now, seemed 

 desirable. The recent improvement of the fibrous fabrics will 

 greatly facilitate this branch of the business, both on account of 

 the cheapness and lightness of the material. 



Umbrellas are made either of tissue, corded tissue, or plated 

 muslin. The frames are covered with the scraps of the ma- 

 terial. The covers being cemented together, are then cemented 

 on to the frame, quite to the tips. By this means a large um- 

 brella is obtained with a small frame. The fabric being quite 

 non-elastic, the edge of the cover remains straight from tip to 

 tip, by which means the curve which is unavoidable in cotton 

 and silk umbrellas, is prevented. There are at least four inches 

 gained in the spread or diameter of the umbrella ; in other 

 words, a twenty-eight inch frame umbrella made from these 

 fabrics, is as large as a thirty inch covered with cotton or silk. 

 Still more may be gained in the size of the umbi^ella, by extend- 

 ing the cover by a stay of non-elastic compound, beyond the tips 

 of the frame. It should be understood, however, that when it is 

 preferred, the same form and symmetry may be given to these 

 as to cotton or silk umbrellas, by cutting with a curve, the edges 

 of the sections of which the umbrella is made. Each seam is 

 cemented to the bow its whole length, which gives additional 

 strength and firmness to the cover, and fastens it more securely 

 to the frame than is ordinarily done by stitching. 



It is needless to say that these fabrics are impervious to water, 

 and therefore umbrellas made from them form a complete shelter 

 from rain. They are very durable, and do not absorb water to 

 be carried within doors, like cotton or silk. 



If there is any one purpose to which gum-elastic is adapted 

 without objection, it is doubtless that of umbrellas. 



