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LIFE-PRESERVING APPAREL. 323 



INSOLES. 



Insoles for leather shoes may be formed of sheets of perforated 

 gum-elastic sponge, as represented in plate xxi., fig. 13, which 

 are so very soft, elastic, and pleasant to the feet . For the 

 lame, were it not for the objection of sweating, these articles 

 might be highly recommended. The objections are, in part, re- 

 moved by perforating, and afterwards covering them with flan- 

 nel or other woven cloths. 



SHOE SOLES. 



Within a few years past a method has been adopted in some 

 parts of the United States, of cementing an outer sole of vul- 

 canized elastic compound upon leather boots and shoes, both 

 when they are new, and after the leather soles are worn off". 



These articles have given entire satisfaction to the wearer, 

 both on account of their economy, in causing them to wear much 

 longer than they otherwise would, and because they answer, in 

 part, the purposes of an India rubber shoe in keeping the feet 

 dry without causing them to perspire. 



An article of this kind has been recently invented,* which can 

 be conveniently put on and off, as represented in plate xxi., fig. 

 14. The strap of this sole is made of elastic compound. 

 Although it is as yet quite new and untried, it may be considered 

 a real improvement, and another acquisition for the comfortable 

 protection of the feet. See plate .f 



LIFE-PRESERVING APPAREL. 



A number of these articles are represented, plate xxi. The 

 fabrics from which they are manufactured, viz., the air-work and 



* By Doct. Charles Stearns, Springfield, Mass. t Since introduced, and found highly usefuL 



