FOR THE HIMALAYAS. 



49 



I used wood-ashes a good deal for preserving, the great object 

 being to know that they are quite cold and dry before applying to 



the skins. If hot, good-bye to your skins, for they will be burnt ; 

 if wet, the salts have been absorbed probably, and not much pre- 



servative power remains in them, besides which they do not absorb 

 the grease and dampness of the skin. 



