I'TILIZATION OF THE SKINS OF AQUATIC ANIMALS. 307 



paper i;^ pasted on the flesh side; but if the pelt has been left thick, as 

 is commonly the case, the paper pasting is omitted. The fur is treated 

 with an alkali solution, followed by an acid mordant, for the purpose 

 of "killing" the surface. Each establishment has its own formula 

 for making the dye, the secret of which is usually carefully guarded. 

 Formerl}' the fur was frequently bleached to a golden hue by means 

 of chloride of calcium or peroxide of hydrogen, or, as was the usual 

 practice in the United States, by a brushing of aqua fortis, over which 

 hot irons were immediately passed; but this color is no longer fashion- 

 able. In most establishments the d3'o for the ends of the fur consist 

 of various combinations of copperas, alum, salt, litharge, antimony, 

 copper dust, verdigris, red tartar or argol, and salmiac. The ground 

 color is formed of combinations of logwood, hippuric, fustic, nutgall, 

 and iron liquor, in varying proportions, according to the experience 

 and fancies of the dj^er. 



The fur is prepared for coloring by the application of a lime solution. 

 Then the surface coloring is applied with a large brush, the points of 

 the fur being carefully covered to the required depth. After lying 

 folded, with the points touching each other for 6 to 12 hours, the skins 

 are hung up and dried. When dry this dye forms a thin layer or crust, 

 which is broken and beaten out with rattan sticks. Other coats of 

 dye are then successively applied, dried, and the crust removed until 

 the desired effect is secured. For the light brown shade formerly 

 popular, 18 or 20 coats of the dye were necessary; but for the very 

 dark shade popular at present fewer coats of a much stronger dye are 

 used, the usual number applied being 8 or 10. Some years ago a 

 process of dyeing was introduced by which the fur was dipped into 

 the djx, which in this case must be hot. Fewer coats were necessary 

 and a more brilliant color was imparted, but the texture of the fur was 

 injured to some extent by the hot liquid. 



When the desired shade is reached for the top of the fur, four or 

 Ave coats of the more delicate dye are successively brushed on heavily 

 and tramped in, forming a base or ground color. In tramping this 

 ground color in, two pelts are placed together on the floor with the fur 

 sides against each other, and the dyer lightly treads on them for two 

 or three minutes. The skins are thoroughly cleaned with sawdust and 

 all superfluous d3'e removed. The pelt side is then moistened with 

 water and shaved down to the required thinness, removing all super- 

 fluous flesh and leather and leaving the pelt clean and free from dye. 

 The skins are revolved in a cleaning drum, with maple or other light- 

 colored veneer sawdust for several hours, and on removal, and after 

 beating free of sawdust, are ready for manufacture into garments. 



While the foregoing is the general process, it is necessary to vary 

 it for different skins, and successful dressing and dyeing require long 

 experience and much judgment. Owing to the necessity for drying 

 the skin a number of times in the dressing, and also after the applica- 



