The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #24089   Message #273876
Posted By: GUEST,Joe Fogey
08-Aug-00 - 07:51 PM
Thread Name: Lyr ADD: Chamber Lye / John Harloson's Saltpeter
Subject: RE: A Curious Civil War Song
Urine was transported from London to Yorkshire where it was used in the manufacture of alum. It was also used for tanning leather 9and was up to the 60's in Afganistan - did you ever get too close o a cheap afghan jacket?

People used to earn their livings collecting dog shit on the streets of London. It was called "pure" and used for tanning fine leathers.