How is leather treated?
Most of our leather shoes are made from the skins of cattle, but there is a big difference between a glossy black boot and the velvety coat of a cow. The difference involves a series of leather treatments, the most important of which is a process called leather tanning. The most durable leathers are made from the hides of horses and cattle, sharks and camels. Softer leathers are made from the skin of a doe or chamois, sheep or goat. The work of changing the animal skin into lasting leather is done in a plant called a tannery. The actual tanning is just one operation in the treatment, and almost every tannery has its own methods and recipes for performing the various operations. There are, however, certain basic chores that must be done in the treatment of all leathers. The skin, of course, must be removed from its original owner with as little damage to it as possible. Its hair, bristles and the bits of flesh clinging to it must be removed. The dried hides are then soaked in some kind
