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BULLETIISr 1350, U. S. DEPAHTMENT OF AGEICULTUKG 



side out, and immediately replaced. After another day or two it 

 should be again removed and hung on a rope to finish drying. The 

 drying usually takes about four or five days, and should not be hur- 

 ried by use of artificial heat as this has a tendency to injure it. 



After the skin is thoroughly dry it is shaken vigorously and 

 worked with the hand to make it pliable. It is then brushed with 

 a stiff brush and rubbed with burlap to remove all foreign mate- 

 rial. A comb may be used, if necessary, to remove dead hairs. All 

 cleaning is done by hand, and no chemicals should be applied. 



Frequent handling and brushing 

 at this time does not injure the 

 pelt, but rather puts it in better 

 condition for the raw- fur market. 



CHARACTERISTICS OF A 

 GOOD PELT 



PHmeness. — In general, in judg- 

 ing a blue-fox pelt the main thing 

 to be kept in mind is quality, and 

 this is affected by many factors. 

 First, the pelt must be prime. 

 This is determined by examining 

 the skin side, which, if the pelt is 

 fresh, should be fairly white or 

 cream-colored and show some 

 " life " when handled. This side 

 turns yellow with age and loses its 

 firmness. The skin should be per- 

 fectly and evenly furred, both on 

 the back and on the belly, with the 

 fur reasonably long, lustrous, and 

 silky. Guard hairs should be 

 evenly and thickly distributed, as 

 the silky texture and luster are 

 largely dependent upon them. 

 The brush should be sufficiently 

 long to maintain a balance with 

 the rest of the pelt. There should 

 be no rubbed spots or defects. 



Clearness of color is an impor- 

 tant factor in determining the 

 quality of a pelt. There should be 

 no tinge or rust to give the charac- 

 teristic chocolate or brownish cast. Careful fur buyers make a greater 

 cut in the price of a pelt having a rust or tinge than for any other 

 defect. As a rule, more is paid for a clear, bright-colored pelt not 

 so well furred than for a well-furred skin with a brownish or faded 

 appearance. 



Size is the last consideration in valuing a pelt. 



B20I0M 



Fig. 27. — Pelts on drying frames, illus- 

 trating method of thorougbly drying 

 legs and brush 



A difference of 3, 



4, or 5 inches does not reduce the value of a skin, provided it passes 

 other requirements. An extra large pelt is not desirable, for the 

 principal reason that it is not becoming to the average wearer. 



