348 RIFLE AND ROMANCE 



rubs in, very thoroughly, powdered alum six parts to 

 saltpetre one part, until the skin is saturated with the 

 mixture, when a little will remain unabsorbed on the 

 surface. 



Fresh buttermilk (procurable in most localities) is now 

 poured on the skin, sparingly, and rubbed in ; and the skin 

 is then turned inwards, flesh-side to flesh-side, and its sur- 

 faces thoroughly rubbed together, until the buttermilk has 

 penetrated into the pelt. (About four large tumblerfuls 

 of buttermilk are sufficient for each such application in the 

 case of a tiger skin.) 



The skin is then brought neatly together, flesh-side to 

 flesh-side, folded up fairly tightly, and put away for 

 twenty-four hours. In this state it may be carried about, 

 provided it is not exposed to the sun's rays or to too great 

 heat. 



Second day. The skin will be found to have swelled 

 and thickened, and the "dressing" will have completely 

 penetrated it, oozing freely through the hair side. 



The skin is then unfolded, again shaved, again dressed 

 with the aforementioned alum, nitre, and buttermilk, and 

 put away for another twenty-four hours. 



Third day. The skin is unfolded, and thoroughly dried 

 in the sun unless the weather be hot, when drying in the 

 shade is sufficient and preferable until absolutely dry and 

 as hard as a board ; which has the effect of tightening 

 it, and preventing subsequent slipping of the hair. In the 

 case of a large skin this drying process may take more than 

 one or even two days. 



Fourth or penultimate day. The skin is softened in water, 

 again shaved, given its final application of dressing, and 

 folded up for the last time. 



Fifth or last day. The skin is unfolded, shaved, and 

 dried slowly in the shade. The leather will now be quite 

 white and fairly soft. 



To render it quite pliable, the dhor may fold and roll it 



