CHAPTER IV. 



RABBIT FUR 



By C. E. Sherman 



Proprietor of the Los Angeles Fur Farm 



TO understand the nature of the change effected 

 by tanning the hide, it is necessary to refer to 

 its structure, which consists of three layers, 

 the epidermis, the derma and a fatty under tissue. 

 The epidermis has two layers, consisting of a fibrous 

 outer layer which is constantly being shed and re- 

 newed by the under tissue. 



The derma or second layer, is the true skin and 

 the leather making tissue. The innner layer or fatty 

 tissue between the derma and the flesh contains the 

 respiratory glands. 



A fresh skin undergoes decomposition very rapid- 

 ly, if dried becomes stiff and heavy or if boiled with 

 water becomes glue. 



The object of tanning is to bring the skin into 

 such a condition that decay is stopped and after drying 

 no longer is stiff and hard, but a soft pliable tissue. 



Alum was first used to tan skins and is still used 

 to some extent, but has been replaced by the use of 

 various acids, which, if properly used, destroy the 

 glue in the hides, leaving them soft and porous, a 



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