Abstract

The problem considered is that of obtaining an objective test of limeyard rounding as a check on the accuracy with which it is being done by feel at any tannery. It appears that a test based on water absorption (Q4 values) is suitable, and can be applied despite the great differences in physical properties of leathers of different tannages and from different hides. The test is based on the use of ratios. If the water absorption at a given location is greater than 130 times that of the Official Sampling Position, the location is to be excluded from the bend. An exception is the leather at the fore-end, belly corner, of the traditional bend area. The test suggests that this should be excluded from the bend; the area is usually included, however, merely to avoid awkwardness of shape in bends, bellies, and shoulders.