After this the skins are dried in a mild heat
that causes the oxidization of the oil. This being completed, all the
superfluous oil is removed by putting the skins in an alkali bath.
Then the curing process is complete.
With the preparation of kid leather alum is the astringent curative
agent. Its operation is accompanied by that of others whose purpose is
to secure elasticity and pliability, and mainly to preserve that
beautiful texture which makes kid leather superior to all others.
These assistants in the process are eggs, flour, and salt. They are
combined into what is called a custard. A proper quantity of the
custard and a number of skins having been put together in a dash
wheel, where they are thrown about for some time, the open pores of
the skin absorb the custard freely, and become swelled by the chemical
union of the custard and the skin. In trade parlance this swelling is
known as "plumping." This having progressed satisfactorily, the skins
are folded together with the fleshy side outward, and are dried by a
gentle heat.
They are now cured, but they are yet hard and rough. Another
objectionable feature is that they are of unequal thickness.
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