The skins of various animals, as oxen, cows, calves, &c., dressed and prepared for use. How is the Leather prepared? By tanning; that is, steeping the skins in an infusion of tan, by which they are rendered firm, durable, and, in a great degree, impervious to water. _Infusion_, a liquor made by steeping anything in water, or other liquids, without boiling. What is Tan? The bark of the oak-tree, &c., ground by a mill into a coarse powder. What is Lime?[5] A white, soft, friable, earthy substance, prepared from marble, chalk, and other lime-stones, or from shells, by burning in a kiln. [Footnote 5: For a further account of it, see Chapters XIII. & XVI.] _Friable_, easily powdered. For what is it used? Its greatest use is in the composition of mortar for building; it is also much used by tanners, skinners, &c., in the preparation of leather; by soap-boilers in the manufacture of soap; and by sugar-bakers for refining sugar. What is a Kiln? A fabric of brick or stone, formed for admitting heat in order to dry or burn materials placed in it. Of what are Gloves made? Of leather, silk, thread, cotton, worsted, &c. What skins are generally used for Gloves? Those of the chamois, kid, lamb, dog, doe, and many other animals. What are Furs, and how are they prepared? Furs are the skins of wild animals, dressed with the hair on, and used as apparel, either for warmth, ornament, or distinction of rank or dignity. Name a few of the principal furs in use. The fur of the ermine, an animal inhabiting the cold regions of Europe and America, is highly valued, and much used for ornamental purposes. In summer, the upper part of the body is of a yellowish-brown color; the under parts white, slightly tinged with yellow. It is then called a _stoat_. In winter, the fur is closer and finer, and is of a snowy white color; the tip of the tail is black throughout the year. In Europe the fur is much used for ornamenting the state robes of sovereigns and nobles. The sable is another animal much prized for its rich fur; it is a native of Northern Europe and America. The skins of the marten, found in North America, as well as in Northern Asia and the mountains of Kamtschatka; and also of the bear, fox, raccoon, badger, lynx, musk-rat, rabbit, hare, and squirrel, which are all procured in North America, are valuable. One of the most valuable descriptions of fur is that of the seal. How is it procured? By hunting the animals, which is the employment both of natives and settlers from other countries; the hunters sell the skins for money, to a company established for the purpose of trading in furs, or more frequently exchange them for clothes, arms, and other articles. The Alaska Commercial Company of San Francisco is granted by the United States Government the exclusive privilege of catching the fur seal. What is Alum?