144 PRACTICAL RABBIT KEEPING 



It will be found advantageous to wash the 

 skins thoroughly before they are put into the 

 tanning mixture, using lukewarm water and a 

 little soap, with perhaps some ammonia added. 

 The skins will need to remain in the tanning 

 fluid for from one to three weeks. When 

 properly cured they should show white when 

 stretched over the fingers. It is important to 

 wring out all the moisture possible after tan- 

 ning has been completed, and to dry the pelts 

 in the open air, but in a shady place. Then 

 they may be stretched with the hands or 

 rubbed over the edge of a table or a board to. 

 make them soft and pliable. They should not 

 be absolutely dry for several days, this stretch- 

 ing and working being undertaken in the 

 meantime. A properly tanned skin should be 

 both soft and white. If either condition is 

 lacking, it indicates that it was not left in 

 pickle long enough. 



Sometimes furs are greasy and never will be 

 satisfactory unless cleaned, no matter how well 

 they may be tanned. If cleaning is needed it 

 can be done with gasoline or benzine. 



Occasionally it is found advisable to work 

 a little Neatsfoot oil into the skin after it is 



