HIDE. See CUTIS.
Hum Hides are the skins of beasts but the denomination is particularly ap plied to those of large cattle, as bullosks, cows, buffaloes, horses, &c. Raw hides are still a consjderable object in the Egyp tian trade : about 80,000 hides of buffa Toes, camels, cows, and oxen, are export ed yearly. Nearly 10,000 go to Mar seilles, and a still greater number to Ita ly. The buffaloe hides, being thicker and heavier than the others, are chiefly trans ported to Syria. As the pastures of Lower Egypt are excellent, the hides of its cattle, in consequence of their being so well fed, are of the very best quality. Great numbers of buffaloes are also in North America. They are larger than an ox, and their head is so full of hair that it falls over their eyes, and gives them a frightful look. There is a bunch on their back, which begins at the haunches, and increasing gradually to the shoulders, reaches on to the neck. The whole bo dy is covered with long hair, or rather Wool, of a dun or mouse colour, which is exceedingly valuable, especially that on the forepart of the body, being proper for the manuflicture of various articles: The hide makes a considerable article of export from America. There are hides of several denominations, according to their state and quality. Raw or green
hide is that which has not undergone any preparation, being in the same condi tion as when taken off the carcase.— There are also hides dried in the hair. Salted hide is a green hide seasoned with sea-salt and alum, or saltpetre, to prevent its corruption. Most of' the hides imported from Holland and France are so prepared. Tanned hides are fur ther prepared by the tanner, by paring off the hair, and steeping them in pits of lime and tan. Curried hides are'those, which, after tanning, have passed through the currier's hands, and have thus re ceived their last preparation, so as to be fit for use.
Hint of land, was such a quantity of land as might be ploughed with one plough within the compass of a year, or so much as would maintain a family ; some call it sixty, some eighty, and some an hundred acres.
The distribution of this kingdom by bides of land is very ancient, mention being made of it in the laws of King Ina. Henry I. had three shillings for every hide of land, in order to raise a dowry for his daughter : this tax was ed hidage