The operator mixes sugar or resin with the India-rubber, prepared in the usual manner for vulcanizing, in the proportion of one-quarter of a pound of sugar or resin to each pound of India-rubber; and after the compound has been worked and treated in the usual manner, he forms the clog thereof, in a mould, and subjects it to the curing or vulcanizing process, by which it is rendered spongy and light. The mould is so formed as to make the sole thin, with a rim all round and protuberances within, for the boot or shoe to rest on, to give the foot the required elevation from the ground. The sole thus prepared, can be provided with a toe-piece and heel-strap, as described under the second part of the invention, or it may be provided with any other means of securing it to the foot. The last part of the invention relates to a mode or modes of making India-rubber shoes or coverings for the feet pervious to perspiration, and yet impervious, under ordinary circumstances, to water or damp. This object may be effected by taking a quantity of India-rubber sponge and rolling it into thin sheets, which sheets may be made into boots, shoes, or coverings for the feet, and as they will be found to be covered with a great number of very fine holes, they will allow the perspiration to pass through, but will effectually keep out the wet. It is preferred, however, to perforate the India-rubber by mechanical means, as a greater amount of regularity may be thereby attained, and the perforating process will be more under command. When the sheet rubber is made up into boots or coverings for the feet, it will be necessary either to leave those parts of the boot nearest to the sole, and most exposed to the wet, unperforated and impervious, or to cover those parts with an impervious material, leaving only the upper part pervious to perspiration. Under this head of the invention the claim is for making boots, shoes, and other coverings for the feet, pervious to the perspiration of the wearer, by making such articles of sheet rubber, previously perforated with minute holes. TO ALFRED VINCENT NEWTON, of the Office of Patents, in Chancery Lane, London, England. For improvements in the preparation of materials for the production of a composition or compositions applicable to the manufacture of buttons, knife and razor handles, inkstands, door-knobs, and other articles, where hardness, strength and durability are required. (Sealed 4th of March, 1851.)[4] Footnote 4: This is one of the most important patents ever taken out, _being of great practical utility_.