FOR EXHIBITION AND MARKET 



months of October and March and at about the age of 

 seven months or older. In another chapter instruc- 

 tions are given for removing the skins. The skins 

 should always be placed in the shade, stretched in a 

 semicircle over a piece of green wood to avoid creases 

 and heating, and should be well stuiifed out before 

 hanging up to dry. 



Tanning. I 



The following method will tan any light skin and 

 with a little practice will aiiford an excellent pastime 

 and make an interesting study as well. All dry skins 

 must first be soaked in water until they become as 

 soft and pliable as green skins. A green skin, one 

 just removed from a rabbit, should have all the flesh 

 and fat removed by scraping with a dull knife, being 

 careful not to cut the hide. Wash well and let the 

 skin soak from three to eight hours, depending upon 

 the thickness, in lukewarm water, in which has been 

 dissolved one cupful each of salt alum and saltpetre 

 to the gallon. Pull and work the skins well while 

 washing them. Wring the skins out and stetch them 

 flesh side up, and rub in thoroughly a mixture of two 

 parts fine salt, one part each of saltpetre and 

 powdered alum, half part arsenic and if for a heavy 

 skin add a teaspoonful of blue vitriol. Use plenty 

 of this mixture and work it in well, being sure to 

 get it into all of the wrinkles and out to fhe edges. 

 Place the skins flesh sides together, Jold in the edges 

 and roll tightly. Keep in a moderately warm place. 

 Rub in fresh mixture every two or three days and 

 work the skins well together. The fur will not be 



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