DIRECTIONS FOR CLEANING MOULDY LEATHER.
First. Wash thoroughly in soap-suds with a brush, so as to remove all dirt and mould.
Second. Sponge with clean water, and before the leather dries apply with a sponge tied to a handle a solution of ammonia and water in equal parts, using 4 Fs. ammonia.
Third. Apply, when dry, a coat of leather blacking. (A good blacking can be made by placing in 5 gallons of best cider vinegar ¼ pound of pulverized nut-galls, 2 pounds of copperas, 1 pound of iron filings or chips, and letting it stand for five days before use, stirring carefully from time to time.)
Fourth. After the leather is dry apply a good coating of oil—1 part of kerosene and 4 parts of neat's-foot. Apply freely so as to soften the leather, and let it dry sufficiently.
Fifth. Brush the pieces well, and put on with a sponge a thin coat of gum tragacanth, dissolving ¼ pound of gum in 1 gallon of warm water. After drying the leather should be repacked, if desired to store it. Harness in use which becomes hard from perspiration or from being wet should be washed, oiled, and rubbed as above, without applying the solution of ammonia, or of blacking unless the leather has become reddish.