Round the Camp Fire. 201 



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, 

 unavoidably receiving injuries that may jeopardize its 

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

 those of 'pickling barrels' and other devices, may be avoid- 

 ed by employing a, chamdr or dhor (native leather workers 

 and curers); These men are to be found in almost any 

 feazaar, and are quite willing to accompany a shooting ex- 

 pedition 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 without having 

 the least injurious effect, as is produced by the use of lime 

 and like- deleterious- substances. 



First day.A.s 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 

 sight down to- the tips. 



The dhor then ' shaves' the skin with hi spurrier's knife 

 Ifiurpi), removing all vestiges. of fleshy matter. He then 

 rubs in, very thoroughly, powdered alum six parts. to salt- 

 petre 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 three large tumblerfuls 

 of buttermilk are sufficient for each such application in the 

 case of a tiger skin.) 



