ROUND THE CAMP FIRE 347 



ments, but these are the main points. It should be re- 

 membered in favour of the quiet beat and the watcher's 

 vigil that, if no shot be obtained, they have not disturbed 

 the jungle ; besides which there is much to recommend 

 them to the man of small means. 



A difficulty is sometimes experienced by sportsmen in 

 temporarily treating and preserving from injury the skins 

 of tigers and other animals shot ; the usual practice in 

 India being to peg out the skin in the shade, and dry it 

 with the aid of wood ashes, alum, or other astringents and 

 alkalies. After such drying the skin becomes extremely 

 stiff, and has to be carried about in that condition, in 

 which it may receive injuries, jeopardising its appearance 

 on being finally cured. Such troubles, as well as those 

 of " pickling barrels," in which the fresh skin is immersed 

 in a saturated solution of alum and salt, but must be 

 carefully shielded from contact with the air, may be 

 avoided by employing a chamdr or dh6r (native leather 

 worker and curer). These men are to be found in almost 

 any bazaar, and are quite willing to accompany a shoot- 

 ing expedition for a small monthly remuneration. Their 

 methods vary, and they should not be allowed to work 

 except under superintendence ; but the following system 

 is one that they thoroughly understand, while it is very 

 simple, non-poisonous, and will cure skins perfectly, with- 

 out having the least injurious effect as is produced by the 

 use of lime and like deleterious substances which make 

 it extremely difficult for the taxidermist to ensure good 

 results when the skin is finally taken Home. 



First day. As soon as possible after the beast has been 

 shot, the dhor should set to work, and the skin should be 

 carefully removed, special care being taken that the ears, 

 paws, and lips are thoroughly turned inside out and skinned 

 right down to the tips. 



The dhor then shaves the skin with his currier's knife 

 (ktirpi), removing all vestiges of fleshy matter. He then 



