CORK Jacket or Waistcoat

CORK Jacket or Waistcoat, is an invention of one Dubourg, a gentleman fond of swimming, but subject to the cramp, which led him to consider of some method by which he might enjoy his favourite diversion in safety. The waistcoat is composed of four pieces of cork, two for the breasts and two for the back; each nearly equal in length and breadth to the quarters of a waistcoat without flaps; and the whole is covered with coarse canvass, and provid-

ed with two holes to put the arms through. There is also a space left between the two back-pieces, and the same betwixt each breast-piece, that they may the more easily fit to the body. Thus the waistcoat is only open before, and may be fastened on the wearer with strings, or buckles and leather straps. This waistcoat does not weigh above twelve ounces, and may be made for an expense of about five or six shillings. Dubourg tried his waistcoat in the Thames, and found that it not only supported him in the water, but that two men could not sink him, though they used their utmost efforts for the purpose.