306 GOODYEAR ON G U M- E L ASTIC. 



OBSERVATIONS ON WATER-PROOF WEARING APPAREL. 



Articles of water-proof gum-elastic wearing apparel are 

 liable to one serious objection, which is, that it confines perspira- 

 tion ; therefore articles of water-proof wearing apparel are only 

 suited to certain occupations, or special occasions, and should 

 always be used with caution. 



It is unreasonable to expect a thing to be, at the same time, 

 both pervious and impervious to air and water. The shoe, or 

 garment, being water and air-tight, confines the perspiration of 

 course, and this is not caused by any peculiar property of gum- 

 elastic. Articles of this kind are not intended, and are not 

 suitable to be worn constantly. To use them in this manner 

 would be dangerous to health. Yet, when worn to avoid ex- 

 posure to rain and snow, they are found invaluable. When 

 intended as a protection against cold, they should be either nap- 

 ped, lined, or worn over other garments. A simple gum-elastic 

 glove worn next the hand will make it cold, but worn loosely 

 over another light glove will be very comfortable. With the 

 laboring classes it is becoming quite common to wear, instead 

 of a leather shoe, what is called the buskin or lined gum-elastic 

 shoes for economy as well as comfort. This is certainly better 

 than to w'ear leaky or bad leather shoes ; but it would be better to 

 avoid wearing them, if possible, in the house. Those who will 

 do so, should have two pairs, which, in the end, will be no more 

 expensive, and changing them will give time for the lining, which 

 has been charged w'ith perspiration, to become dry. With re- 

 regard to suspenders, elastics, military stocks, or even a vest 

 pattern, or any article that does not come in contact with the 

 person, the idea that prevails with some persons, that they cause 

 perspiration, or are uncomfortably warm, is chiefly imaginary. 

 A military hat or cap is no more objectionable on this account 

 than any other hat or cap, which is made water and air-tight with 

 other gums in the usual manner. In other words, there is no 



