

386 Department of Conservation of Louisiana 



fleshing blade is required and it removes all excess grease, 

 flesh and extraneous matter accumulated during the proc- 

 esses the muskrat skin has been subjected to during its 

 conversion from a lowly 'rat to a stylish "seal". 



After being drummed, the skins are unhaired — that is, 

 the long, stiff guard hairs which escaped the initial shearing 

 process are removed by a revolving blade which insures an 

 evenly surfaced fur and again sheared to make the finished 

 fur one of velvety evenness, and the operation is ended save 

 for packing and returning the skins to the manufacturing 

 furrier, who cuts the small pelts into strips, sews them 

 together, and models the garment that is placed on sale in 

 fur shops as, if the retailer follows the truth in advertising 

 prescribed by his own trade, "Seal-dyed Muskrat (Hudson 

 Seal)." 



