3074. To Preserve and Clean Harness

3074. To Preserve and Clean Harness. In the first place, subject the harness to 1 or 2 coats (as the leather may need) of lampblack and castor oil, warmed sufficiently to make it penetrate the leather readily. Then make about 2 quarts of warm soap-suds, and with a sponge wash the harness. When dry, rub it over with a mixture of oil and tallow, equal parts, with sufficient lampblack to give it color; or, what is better, Prussian blue, ■which gives it a new and fresh look. This compound should be applied sparingly and well rubbed in, which can be quickly done and will leave a smooth and clean surface.

3075. Harness Polish

3075.    Harness Polish. Take 2 ounces mutton suet, 6 ounces bees' wax, 6 ounces powdered sugar candy, 2 ounces soft soap, and 1 ounce indigo or lampblack. Dissolve the soap in 1/4 pint of water; then add the other ingredients; melt and mix together; add a gill of turpentine. Lay it on the harness with a sponge, and polish off with a brush.

3076. To Clean Leather

3076.    To Clean Leather. Uncolored leather may be cleaned by applying a solution of oxalic acid with a sponge. Dissolve in warm water.

3077. To Take Oil Out of Leather

3077.    To Take Oil Out of Leather. Use strong (F. F. F. F.) aqua ammonia, which will take oil out without injury to the leather. It must be used 2 or 3 times in order to get it all out. First use it and let the leather stand until more comes out, and apply again. This is the only thing that will take it out and not hurt the leather.

3078. Dubbing for Leather

3078.    Dubbing for Leather. Mix 2 pounds black resin, 1 pound tallow with 1 gallon train oil.

3079. Jet for Harness and Boots

3079.     Jet for Harness and Boots. Dissolve 3 sticks of the best black sealing-wax in 1/2 pint spirits of wine; keep in a glass bottle, and shake well previous to use. Applied with a soft sponge. This gives the leather a fine black surface, which, however, is apt to crack more or less.

3080. Shoemakers' Black

3080.      Shoemakers' Black. A solution of green copperas (sulphate of iron) in about 12 times its weight in water. It is used to black leather which has been tanned with bark or other astringent matter, and to the edges of the soles etc., with a feather or brush.

3081. Harness Liquid Blacking

3081.      Harness Liquid Blacking. Dissolve by heat, 4 ounces glue or gelatine and 3 ounces gum arabic in 3/4 pint water; add 7 ounces molasses and 5 ounces ivory black in very fine powder; gently evaporate until of a proper consistence when cold, stirring all the time. Keep in corked bottles.

3082. Harness Waterproof Paste Blacking

3082.      Harness Waterproof Paste Blacking. Melt together 2 ounces mutton suet and 6 ounces bees' wax; add 6 ounces sugar candy, 2 ounces soft soap, 21/2 ounces lampblack, and 1/2 ounce indigo in fine powder; when thoroughly mixed add 1/4 pint of oil of turpentine; put into pots or tins.

3083. Harness "Waterproof Cake Blacking

3083.      Harness "Waterproof Cake Blacking. Melt 1 pound bees wax, 1 ounce Prussian blue ground in 2 ounces linseed oil, i pound ivory black, 3 ounces oil of turpentine and 1 ounce copal varnish; mix well together and form into cakes whilst warm.

3084. Harness Waterproof Blacking

3084.   Harness Waterproof Blacking. Mix the same ingredients as in the last receipt, and while hot add 4 ounces soft soap and 6 ounces more oil of turpentine; put the paste into pots or tins. None of the above blackings will injure the leather.

3085. To Apply Harness Blacking

3085.    To Apply Harness Blacking. Spread a very little of the blacking evenly on the surface of the leather, and polish by gentle friction with a brush or an old handkerchief. Paste blacking is thinned with water.