The history of the worthies of England who for parts and learning have been eminent in the several counties : together with an historical narrative of the native commodities and rarities in each county / endeavoured by Thomas Fuller.

Manufactures.

Leather.

This, though common to all Counties, is entred under the Manufactures of Middlesex, because London therein, is the Staple-place of Slaughter; and the Hides of beasts there bought, are generally tanned about Enfield in this County.

A word of the antiquity and usefulness of this commodity. Adams first suit was of leaves, his second of Leather. Hereof Girdles, Shoes, and many utensils (not to speak of whole houses of Leather, I mean Coaches) are made. Yea, I have read how Frederick the second Emperour of Germany, distressed to pay his Army, made Monetam Coriace∣am, Coin of Leather, making it currant by his Proclamation, and afterwards when his Souldiers repayed it into his Exchequer, they received so much silver in lieu thereof.

Many good-laws are made (and still one wanting to enforce the keeping of them) for the making of this Merchantable commodity, and yet still much unsaleable leather is sold in our Markets.

The Lord Treasurer Barleigh (who always consulted Artificers in their own Art) was indoctrinated by a Cobler in the true Tanning of Leather: This Cobler taking a slice of Bread, tosted it by degrees at some distance from the fire, turning many times till it became brown and hard on both sides. This my Lord (saith he) we good Fellowes call a Tanned Tost, done so well that it will last many mornings draughts, and Leather thus leisurely tanned and turned many times in the Fat, will prove serviceable, which otherwise will quickly fleet and rag out. And although that great Statesman caused Statutes to be made according to his instructions, complaints in this kind daily conti∣nue and encrease. Surely were all of that Occupation as honest as Simon the Tanner (the entertainer of Simon Peter in Joppa) they would be more conscientious in their calling. Let me add, what experience avoweth true, though it be hard to assign the true cause thereof, that when Wheat is dear, Leather alwayes is cheap, and when Leather is dear then Wheat is cheap.