Democratic Sentinel, Volume 2, Number 22, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 July 1878 — Russia Leather, [ARTICLE]

Russia Leather,

While Marshal Jewell was our Minister in Russia he visited the tanneries of- that country and found out for himself- the secret of the Russia leather, beloved of book devotees. Ihe secret has been known, however, a longtime, and is sltnplythe result of birch-bark tar, with which the skins are dressed in place of tallow and grease, the latter substance being so largely used as food among the lower classes. This tar, which is carefully saved as it exudes from the wood when burned, was first use I as a substitute for wheel grease in Russia, as it is to thU day, and then for the filling .and dressing.of-skins. By

a system of careful inquiry, and literally following his nose d iring his visits to some of the great Russian tanneries and curriers s shops, Mr. Jewell found this compound in a great kettle ready for use, and thus the mystery was solved. It was not expensive, costing about $lO a barrel, and he immediately ordered ten barrels and sent them to various leading leather manufacturers in this country with instructions, and the result is that genuine Russia leather goods are now made in America.