98 Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. [Feb. 2, 1920. 



during the tests showed that it usually took between two and four days to 

 dry a skin, but this chiefly depended upon the time of the year and weather 

 conditions. During the earlier (warmer) months about three days were 

 occupied, but towards winter as long as eight days were required. Thus, 

 by having the beams placed in three rows as indicated, accommodation may 

 be provided for the regular influx, as well as the output of the skins as they 

 reach a state of dryness. 



Attention might further be drawn to the necessity of exercising due care 

 in the stretching of the skins. To ensure this they should be placed over the 

 beams lengthways — that is, from head to tail, and flesh side out. The rafters 

 or beams used for the purpose should be half-round, and from 6 to 8 inches 

 in diameter. The building should be left open on all sides to allow of free 

 circulation of air. The roof should be angular in formation, and allowed 

 t© slope well down below the line of the outside beam. If the beams are 

 placed about 6 feet from the ground they should be high enough. It would 

 be well, however, to have the shed netted on all sides so as to protect the skins 

 from marauding dogs and other pests, which often gnaw and pull them from 

 the beams. 



It has further been made evident that the best means of preserving the 

 skins is to have them painted with a proper arsenical solution. The skins 

 should be painted immediately they are taken off the beam. Messrs. Elliott 

 & Co. recommend red arsenic, but the solution used in the trials seems to 

 have given satisfaction and is widely used. It is inexpensive and is easily 

 prepared by taking, say, 1 lb. of arsenate of soda, placing it in a bran bag 

 and suspending it in 2 gallons of water, when it quickly dissolves. To 

 this should be added 1 drachm of bitter aloes, dissolved in an egg-cup full 

 of hot water. This could be used without dilution all the year round, as it 

 is strong enough for a summer paint and will do no harm if it is stronger than 

 is really required for the winter. 



In addition to the objection raised by the fellmongers with reference to 

 skins cured by salting, there is another which applies particularly to those 

 intended for export. Salted skins collect moisture, and though they may 

 be weevil proof, they are given to sweating when tightly packed. 



With regard to methods of packing, it may be remarked that the skins 

 should be folded lengthways — head to tail — as dried,, and straight down 

 the middle of the back, woolly side out ; tlio ends should be turned in. 



The consignment should not be held too long. If a sufficient number 

 is not available to make up a fair-sized consignment, it would be well j)erhaps 

 to dispose of them locally. Otherwise, rci)eated applications of solution 

 will be found necessary. 



