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ON CAOUTCHOUC AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR LEATHER 
IN SHOEING. 
By James W. Winter, Esq. V.S. By fleet. 
Being well aware of the destructive effect of the common iron 
shoe on the foot of the horse, and conscious that any attempt, how- 
ever trivial, made with the intention of obviating those evils, 
would not, if successful, be considered " frivolous,” although the 
contrary might be held somewhat “vexatious;” the removal of a 
portion of the sufferings which are the well known sequence of 
concussion is the object of this communication. The consumma- 
tion of such an object would amply repay any trouble that could 
be bestowed upon it. 
With this view I was induced to make some experiments with 
caoutchouc as a substitute for leather, now very generally employed 
in shoeing, and the results, although at first of a discouraging 
nature, ultimately assumed a satisfactory character. 
The well-known elasticity of this substance, together with the 
analogy of its nature and consistence with the natural state of some 
parts of the foot, seem to point it out not only as a remedy in ab- 
normal states of this organ, but as a conservative application in 
its more healthy condition. To the physical property of elas- 
ticity, although only partially possessed by leather, may be attri- 
buted the chief benefit, if not all the advantages, derivable from 
the use of it : it is a spring interposed between the shoe and the 
foot, which, diminishing the force of concussion, obviates a portion 
of its evil effects. 
A great recommendation of the adoption of caoutchouc will be 
on the score of economy, for though at present a little dearer 
than leather, travellers in the land whence it comes relate that 
the supply is inexhaustible, and would be equivalent to the most 
extensive demand*. The old portions may be again dissolved, 
and rendered serviceable, consequently the waste is inconsider- 
able. 
Caoutchouc is a non-conductor of electricity, and probably may 
possess some protective influence over the various delicate tissues 
* “ A sufficient quantity of caoutchouc might be collected in the missions 
of the Oronoko alone for the consumption of Europe.” — Humboldts' Pers. 
Nar. 
“ If ever there should be a great demand for large supplies of gum-elastic, 
commonly called Indian rubber, it may be procured in abundance far away in 
the wilds of Demerara and Essequibo .” — Water tons Wanderings in South 
America , p. 302. 
