A Method of Tanning without Bark

by William Maple

The English, from a true Sense of the Disadvantage of such a Trade, have subjected the Exporter of a Green Hyde, to the Penalties of 500 Pounds, and a Disability to trade in Leather, ever after. Ann. 14. Car. II.

Such an Act, even in our present Circumstances, may, by some, be thought adviseable for us; Because, such Nations, as now gladly receive our Green Hydes, finding a Stop, put to their usual Supplies, would be under a Necessity of receiving our tanned Hydes, and selling us their Bark. Leather being a Commodity, that does not depend on the Fancy; but, is absolutely requisite, not only to the Luxuries, but also, to the Necessities of Mankind.

At present, Our Tanners find a great Scarcity of Bark, except those residing in some considerable Sea-Port-Town, and are under just Apprehensions of a greater. Several in the Country have been obliged to lay aside their Pits, and take to other Imployments; the usual Supplies failing. Our Neighbours who will permit any Bark, to be sent us, are in a Manner exhausted. Our American Plantations are too remote to find their Account, in sending any great Quantity. The Produce of our Country is scarce a twentieth Part of what is used in Tanning. This renders our Tannage dear, and often imperfect, so as not to serve a foreign Market, to Advantage, and Reputation.

But if we had Materials, of our own Growth, easy of Acquisition, and Propagation, that would tan, in every Respect, as well as Bark; were these Materials, as to their Powers, well ascertain’d, and confirm’d by a general Experience, the making an Act, to prohibit the Exportation of Green Hydes, would be judged by all to be Adviseable, and Useful to the Kingdom.

When the apparent Qualities of Bark, are considered; and that by it’s insinuating into the Pores, and incorporating with the Substance of the Hyde, it produces a Firmness, Strength, and Consolidation of the Parts; It is very surprizing, that other Materials, of the same Apparent Qualities, have so long remained neglected, and unapplied to the same Uses; when the Consequence is of such Moment.

Tormentil, and Cinquefoil Roots, are ranged in the same Medical Class; have the same apparent Qualities, especially the first, in a more eminent, and evident Degree, than Bark, it self.

On Tryal, they have answered beyond Expectation: The Cinquefoil did not give so good a Colour, as the Tormentil, which in all Respects, as to Colour, Bloom, Substance, Solidity, and Weight, in the Tanned Hyde, compleatly answered, and in much less Time, than when Bark, (even of the best Kind, or Growth) is used.

Tho’, what is here asserted, is grounded on several Years Experience, and confirmed by the Opinion and Testimony of Mr. Philip Cooley, Tanner, who from the Beginning hath been concerned in the several Tryals, and to whose Skill and Industry a Part of the Subsequent is owing. Yet to give the utmost Satisfaction, and as I think my self in the strongest Manner bound by the Encouragement, hitherto given me, by the House of Commons, to render the best Information I am able, in an Affair of some Consequence to the Public, I shall give a most faithful Account of the Progress that has been made, and the Success that hath attended this Way of Tanning with relation to the Goodness of the Leather, the Time, and Charge of Tanning, and other Circumstances; and shall add several Observations, with Directions for finding, and propagating these Roots, in great Plenty, that all Persons may be encouraged to carry this Method of Tanning, into a general Practice, which as it will be for their private Advantage, so it will not fail to promote the Public Benefit.