CHAPTER VII 

 THE DYEING AND THE DRESSING OF THE FURS 



More furs are ruined in the dyeing and dressing than in the 

 hunting. 



If the knowledge of raw furs involves highly technical dis- 

 crimination, ten times more so does the knowledge of dyeing and 

 dressing; and while the secrets of the trapper may be found out 

 by spying on his trail, the secrets of the dyer cannot; for his for- 

 mula is written in code. His laboratories are as secret as Masonic 

 rites ; and in the rooms where the final lustre is given to such rare 

 furs as seal, grilled wires bar windows and locks bar doors ; and 

 the question is now being tested in a case before the courts whether 

 one firm may hire away a secret dyer from another firm and so 

 obtain possession of the secrets of trade practices and not render 

 itself liable for using " stolen " processes. I have no opinion to 

 express on this hotly contested subject. The Supreme Court will 

 pronounce its decision with which the dyers will have to abide ; 

 and whatever the decision, it will be as protective for the future as 

 it is punitive for the past. 



Vegetable dyes hurt the skins of the pelt least. Indian dressers 

 of undyed furs are the most expert. 



Dyeing is often blamed for what is really the unprime quality 

 of the fur. The skin of the unprime fur has a bluish cast, just as 

 the skin of the prime fur has a creamy white, and the skin of the 

 dyed fur has a golden cast. The pelt should be taken just when 

 prime. If taken before prime, it may shed or lack lustre. If 

 taken after the prime, it may show the wear of the young animal's 

 fights and scampers. 



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