DEESSIXG AXD TAX]STNG SKINS AXD FUES. 91 



The skin may be dressed as soft as yelvet, and the ahim 

 and salt will set the hair securely. 



During the warm, summer months the mink is nearly 

 stripped of his fur, the skin is thin, and the buts of the 

 hair stick nearly through, making the pelt black. 



The skin is in its prime from midwinter until about the 

 middle of May. 



MIJSKEAT SKIXS. 



These skins are very tender, and the flesh is very tough, 

 so that they will not bear fleshing until they have lain for 

 at least six hours in the tan liquor described above for 

 light deer skins. After this it should be fleshed over the 

 flesh side of a sheep skin, with the circular fleshing knife. 

 The fur may be enlivened by being rubbed with a mixture 

 of equal parts of scorched bran and clean wliite sand. 



EACCOOX SKIXS. 



These should be nailed on a board to dry, and smeared 

 with a paste made of equal parts of alum and salt dis- 

 solved in a weak solution of sulphuric acid, say 2 oz. of 

 alum, 2 oz. of salt, 1 drachm of sulphuric acid, 1 pint 

 of water, and a little wheat bran. When nearly dry, 

 scrape it ofi* with a spoon, and work the skin very soft. 



This may be done by rolling up the skin, instead of nail- 

 ing it on a board ; or it may be put in the tan liquor 

 recommended for light deer hides. 



BEAE SKIX'S. 



Tan in the same manner in all respects as the Raccoon 

 skins. 



