Am.  Jour.  Pharm. 
May,  1902. 
Chamois  Skins. 
229 
only.  This  is  purposely  done,  so  that  they  absorb  large  quantities 
of  water,  thus  making  them  suitable  for  stable  work,  carriage  wash- 
ing, etc.  Another  variety  of  French  goods  is  the  double  dressed. 
These  also  come  in  large  sizes  only.  They  are  very  similar  to  the 
Bruts,  with  the  difference  that  they  are  finished  on  both  sides,  mak- 
ing them  thin  like  ordinary  goods. 
Another  variety  produced  by  American  makers  is  what  is 
known  as  steel-colored  goods.  These  are  not  oil  tanned  goods.  They 
are  chrome  leather,  produced  by  tanning  with  chrome.  This  pro- 
duces a  bluish-gray-colored  leather.  They  are  very  strong,  and  for 
this  reason  will  bear  more  abuse  than  the  oil-tanned  goods.  They 
may  be  washed  with  nearly  boiling  water  without  much  danger  of 
injuring  them.  These  are  preferred  by  some  for  this  reason.  Some 
are  also  sold  on  account  of  color  for  fancy  work,  etc. 
Most  manufacturers  sort  these  skins  into  three  qualities — first 
quality,  second  quality,  and  third  quality,  and  prices  are  regulated 
accordingly.  The  first  quality  should  be  almost  free  from  stitches, 
soft  and  nearly  perfect.  The  second  quality  are  rejects  from  the 
firsts  on  account  of  too  much  stitching,  harsh  spots  and  other 
imperfections. 
The  third  quality  are  again  rejects  from  the  second  quality. 
The  drug  trade,  for  the  sake  of  retaining  the  public  opinion  that 
only  the  best  quality  of  everything  is  obtainable  in  a  drug  store, 
should  handle  only  the  first  quality  of  goods. 
Chamois  skins  are  largely  sold  by  the  drug  trade.  Spring  and 
fall  are  the  best  seasons  to  display  them  in  the  stores.  A  very 
attractive  window  display  can  be  made  with  these  goods. 
Care  should  be  taken,  however,  when  used  for  this  purpose,  not 
to  expose  to  sunlight,  as  this  will  very  quickly  bleach  them,  and 
thus  render  them  unsightly.  This  does  not  deteriorate  the  quality 
in  any  other  way,  however. 
A  glass  case  filled  with  the  goods,  placed  so  that  they  can  be 
seen,  will  keep  them  clean,  and  help  to  remind  a  woman  when  she 
enters  the  store  that  a  chamois  is  needed  in  her  household,  and  wll 
assist  materially  to  help  sell  the  goods.  Some  druggists  will  keep 
them  hidden  in  boxes  or  drawers,  and  produce  them  only  when 
called  for,  with  the  inevitable  result  that  their  sales  will  be  very 
limited. 
A  good  quality  chamois  skin  if  properly  used  should  last  a  long 
