96 FUR FACTS 



it is to case it fur side out so as to show the color, but this is not the 

 case. Always case the mink pelt side out. Experienced men in 

 that line are fully able to judge the value of the skin just as well pelt 

 side out as they are fur side out, and it is a big advantage if the 

 mink is cased pelt side out because the skin can be dressed and 

 tanned much more easily and it protects the fur. To take the skin 

 oflP cased, begin by cutting it loose from the hind feet, split down the 

 back of the hind legs and peel the skin from the hind legs. Take out 

 the tail bone, but do not split the tail unless it is absolutely necessary. 

 After this is done draw the skin backwards and downwards from the 

 body, keeping it as free from meat and fat as possible. Suspend 

 the carcass from a tree when skinning, and for this purpose we re- 

 commend the use of the Funsten Gambrel- stretcher which is the 

 regular fur stretcher with two hooks on each end from which the 

 hind legs of the animal may be hung and with this the skin can be 

 pulled off easily. Care should be taken when the head is reached. 

 Cut the skin carefully from the eyes and nose taking great care not 

 to tear the skin. When the skin is taken off in this manner it wiU 

 be in the form of a long pocket with the fur in. Stretch the skin on 

 a stretcher of the proper size. For this purpose we recommend the 

 use of the Funsten Universal Fur Stretcher, but if this is not available 

 a board may be cut to the proper size and shape of the skin. Hang 

 the skin in a cool shady place. Never dry it in the sun or near a 

 fire. Fine mink are valuable and great care should be taken with 

 them. 



Size of Mink Pelts 

 Average large mink after the skin is stretched and dried for ship- 

 ment will be about twenty inches long from the tip of the nose to 

 to the root of the tail, about four inches wide and will weigh from 

 three and one half to four ounces. 



