SSS a ea RE I I RE TT 
SSeS. “web 9 Swen ec eee TERT Ty en 
owed — + 1 am erence 
ee — ,; ~ 
paecnigreanns enn ea eet ee ee 
0s 
eS a eS SS 
wee 
16 BULLETIN 1369, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
leather varies considerably, but usually ranges between 3 and 10 
cents per pound, according to the number of grub holes in the side. 
Practically all those concerned in the hide and leather business 
agree that the scars resulting from grub attack are not desirable in 
leather, but the opinion as to the percentage of injury produced dif- 
fers considerably. Some say that even when completely healed - 
grubby hides are undesirable in their business, on account of ap- 
pearance, weaker fiber, etc. 
It is generally agreed that the nominal discount of 1 cent per 
pound applied to grubby hides (grade No. 2) by trade custom is far 
too low. Many tanners state that they would gladly pay double the 
1 cent per pound additional charged for hides of No. 1 grade if they 
could obtain grub-free hides. In fact, tanners of hides for certain 
purposes make every effort to avoid the grub season in purchasing 
their stocks; and this practice, in addition to tying up considerable 
capital for several months, introduces another indirect loss. Under 
present methods of storing green salt hides there develops in them, 
when held for several months, a condition known as “salt stain ” 
which materially damages them. This loss is in a large measure 
chargeable to the warble. There are also a number of tanners who 
are purchasing Argentine and other foreign hides primarily to avoid 
grub damage. Grub holes are especially to be avoided when the 
leather is to be used for certain purposes; for instance, in upholstery 
leather even one or two holes coming in the center, as they usually 
do, would cause the entire hide to be discarded for that purpose. 
Estimates of the actual monetary loss in hides and leather in 
the United States due to the grubs run from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000 
annually. Although the percentage of infested hides varies some- 
-what from year to year and the number of cattle slaughtered also 
varies, it is thought that the figures for the winter of 1921-22 are 
about normal. In the period from November 1 to June 1 of these 
years, 4,448,793 cattle were slaughtered under the inspection of the 
Bureau of Animal Industry. It is estimated that about 40 per cent 
of the cattle killed. in the United States that year were under in- 
spection. Thus, the total number of cattle slaughtered in the United 
States during the period mentioned would be 11,121,980. Accepting 
the estimate that 50 per cent of these hides are infested with at least 
5 grubs each and hence are placed in grade No. 2, we would have 
5,560,990 of this grade. At an average of 40 pounds each and apply- 
ing the nominal 1 cent per pound discount the loss would amount to 
$2.224,396. During the same period the number of calves slaughtered 
under inspection was 2,277,165. By the same method of figuring as 
for cattle, but considering only 30 per cent of the skins infested 
and the average weight at 20 pounds, there would be experienced a 
loss of $341,575, or a total annual loss among cattle hides and calf 
skins of $2,565,971. 
Taking into consideration the number of hides which are damaged 
but not taken off during the season of grub classification, the num- 
ber which are perforated by less than five grubs, the number which 
are placed in grade No. 2 or thrown into glue stock at one-half 
price owing to extreme infestation, the loss through salt stains in 
storage, and the increased cost of handling in making grub selections 
of the hides, side leather, and cut leather, and accepting the state- 
