When the tanning is completed, the bags are opened to remove the sediment of the sumach; the skins are washed, rubbed on a board, and dried; after which they are ready for dyeing and finishing with a ridged instrument, which imparts to the surface that peculiar grain by which morocco leather is distinguished. An inferior kind of leather, known as “imitation morocco,” is prepared in a similar manner from sheepskins.
Plungers. Tongs. Jet. Hook.
“Tawing” is the name applied to the process by which the skins of lambs and kids are converted into soft leather by the action of alum. Of this kind of leather gloves are usually made.
The jet and plungers used for immersing the hides in the tan, the tongs and hook for removing them, and the other implements, are easily understood as applied to the various processes here mentioned.
THE SHOEMAKER.
WORKSHOP.