228 
Cliamois  Skins. 
Am.  Jour.  Pbarrn. 
May,  1902. 
pigments,  which  adhere  to  the  leather.  This  produces  an  unsatis- 
factory article,  however,  as  it  will  always  dust  more  or  less. 
Of  late  years,  however,  manufacturers  have  succeeded  in  produc- 
ing fine  colors  with  aniline,  which  are  more  satisfactory ;  some  speci- 
mens of  colored  chamois  are  here  shown. 
By  incorporating  a  small  quantity  of  ferric  oxide,  very  finely 
powdered,  an  excellent  polishing  chamois  is  produced  for  silver- 
ware, etc. 
A  good  quality  of  chamois  skin  is  generally  of  a  yellow  or  light 
yellow  color,  which,  when  freshly  cut,  should  show  a  dark  yellow 
color.  This  is  a  characteristic  test  of  oil  tannage.  The  absence  of 
this  color  is  generally  an  indication  that  the  skin  is  tanned  by  a 
different  method. 
A  good  quality  of  oil  leather  should  also  absorb  moisture  readily. 
This  test  is  readily  applied  by  dropping  a  few  drops  of  water  on 
the  skin ;  it  should  absorb  it  readily.  If  these  drops  roll  about  on 
the  skin  without  absorption,  it  is  almost  a  sure  indication  that  it  is 
not  oil  tanned. 
For  some  purposes  a  very  light  straw-colored  chamois  is  de- 
manded by  the  trade.  These  are  produced  by  bleaching  with  sul- 
phur. The  skins,  slightly  damp,  are  hung  in  an  air-tight  room  in 
which  a  small  quantity  of  sulphur  is  burned,  producing  a  light 
straw-colored  product  of  bright  color.  It  rather  weakens  the  skin, 
however,  and  also  incorporates  some  sulphur,  which  is  objectionable 
when  used  in  connection  with  silverware. 
These  bleached  goods  should  not  be  used  for  wrapping  silver,  as 
they  are  apt  to  tarnish  it  by  producing  sulphide. 
The  market  affords  a  number  of  different  brands  of  chamois 
skins.  The  principal  ones  are  the  American  goods,  the  English 
and  the  French  goods. 
The  American  goods  of  late  years  have  largely  crowded  out  the 
imported  goods,  and  are  even  now  getting  quite  a  foothold  in 
Europe.  Large  quantities  are  now  being  exported  principally  to 
Germany,  where  they  find  a  ready  market.  The  English  goods  are 
generally  of  good  quality  and  tannage.  They  come  in  both  colors, 
yellow  and  white,  the  latter  color  being  produced  by  bleaching. 
They  are  trimmed  and  sorted  mostly  in  irregular  shapes  and 
sizes ;  the  French  goods  mostly  of  a  dark  yellow  color,  in  large 
sizes.    One  variety,  Bruts,  are  heavy  skins  finished  on  one  side 
