Page:Fifty years hence, or, What may be in 1943 - a prophecy supposed to be based on scientific deductions by an improved graphical method (IA fiftyyearshenceo00grim).pdf/62

 improved, that sheets are now used of only one-half the thickness formerly rendered necessary for any purpose; and of finish as marvellous as their strength. Leather possesses a suppleness, a resistance to wear, and a beauty and variety of grain, as surprising as desirable, while it is not only waterproof, but permeable by the perspiration of the foot.

Iron and steel may be cast into the thinnest sections and the most complicated forms.

Flour-making is accomplished by air blasts to perform the disintegration of the wheat grains, with electrical separation of the various useful by and waste products. But the new-process bread is made directly from the decorticated wheat berry, without ever grinding it into flour; the baker taking the wheat and doighing it up directly without ferment.

Timber is dye of any desired color before felling, and bent into any shape by steaming, so that the most complex outlines may be given it without weakening it.

Umbrella covers and other textile objects of irregular shape, formerly made up of gored sections, are now woven in one piece and of any desired fineness. Rugs and seamless carpets an