in removing the dried skin is encountered. Wire stretchers may be made 
at home with nine gauge galvanized or coppered spring wire, a loop at the 
top being made by one or two turns over a two inch iron pipe or bar. The 
skin should be put on the stretcher tail end first the back on one side and 
the belly on the opposite side, flesh side out, fur in. Then pull the skin 
down until it is stretched sufficiently holding the skin down by fastening 
at the points where the legs would be, with spring clothes pins. Skins 
should be then dried in a cool dry place. Never dry skins in any place 
where the direct rays of sun or where the heat of fire can hit them. This 
has a tendency to “burn” the pelt and makes tanning or dressing impos- 
sible. When skins are sufficiently dry they can be removed. 
Storing and Packing. 
Keep your skins in a cool place until ready to ship. In warm weather 
sprinkle with napthalene or paradichlorbenzine to keep out fur bugs, turn- 
ing skins over periodically. The present continuous market afforded by 
rabbit skin dealers eliminates the necessity of holding skins waiting for 
markets to open up and risking the loss through depreciation from damage 
done by vermin. Skins can be shipped in quantities of one to ten thousand 
or more. In packing skins, pack flat, one skin on another. The skins can 
then packed in cardboard containers or wrapped in burlap or heavy paper. 
Always place proper identification inside the bundle or package and see 
that your shipping directions are plainly marked or attached. Any special 
instructions you may have should be placed in an envelope and either en- 
closed or securely fastened to the shipment. 
Shipping. 
Shipments may ordinarily be made by express or parcel post which 
ever may be found the cheapest. Shipments weighing over and sometimes 
less than one hundred pounds may be made by freight. In all cases ship- 
pers should post themselves on rates of the differing forms of transport 
which will sometimes bring about a saving not always looked for. Breeders 
in the same locality can effect a saving on transportation charges by pool- 
ing their shipments. Each individual’s lot should be securely tied and have 
proper identification attached. All lots can then be packed into one bundle. 
Where to ship your skins is of vital concern. Selecting a fur house that 
has your interests at heart means much. Every fur house is not a Rabbit 
skin house. There are certain angles to the Rabbit Skin business not to 
be found in the fur trade. Be sure that the house you are dealing with 
makes a specialty of dealing in Rabbit Skins. The average fur merchant 
will buy all of your pelts by the pound in order to protect himself against 
losses, placing his accumulations in some auction sales at the mercy of 
some intermediate buyers. The fur house of merit eliminates the broker 
and speculators by direct contact with manufacturers at home and abroad. 
17 
