DRESSING AXD Tx^XNIXG SKIXS AND FUES. 87 



colors. This tan liquor, when properly prepared, has a 

 sour, 2)ungent taste, sharper than the keenest vinegar, but 

 is not so strong as to injure the tongue or hands. This is 

 the test for the strength of the liquor. If it becomes 

 much reduced below this test, while the hides are in it, it 

 must be strengthened. To do this, remove the hides; 

 then skim off the bran, which is now worthless, and add 

 to the old liquor fermented bran, salt, and acid, as before. 

 Light hides should remain in the tan liquor from four to 

 twelve hours. Then rinse them in soft water, two or 

 three times, pushing out all the tan from the fur or hair. 

 All tanned skins should be thoroughly rinsed before 

 applying the liquid stuffing, which is composed in the 

 following manner. 



Take one-third leached lye, and two-thirds tanner's or 

 neat's foot oil, beat together, and apply with a stiff brush. 

 Give calf skins two coats, furs one light coat, and deer 

 skins two coats, one on each side. Hang them in the 

 shade to dry. When half dry, take them on the beam 

 over some yielding substance, and by pushing the edge of 

 the flesh knife stoutly over the leather in all directions, it 

 will become soft and pliable. 



In treating a calf skin, when the liquid is nearly dried 

 in, apply a thorough coat of water-proof stuffing. 



All bides and skins when drying are like full cloth. 

 When wet, they contract or pull up, and have to be 

 stretched. To do this, take tlie hide after the liquid stuff- 

 ing is dried in, dampen it, and place it on the fleshing 



