dealers.

I have dwelt at some length on rug making as it is a branch of taxidermy
which seems to be always in more or less demand with the public. Also it
forms an easy entrance to the more complicated mounting of complete
animals and much of the work is identical with the process of preserving
heads for wall decoration.

CHAPTER XIII.

FUR ROBES AND HOW TO MAKE THEM.

While not usually classed as taxidermy the making and repairing of robes
will bring in many a dollar to the worker in the middle and northern
states. A stitch in time (on a robe) often saves more than the
proverbial nine, and the better the quality the more anxious the owner
to have it put in good order.

The late lamented bison furnished the robe par excellence, few of which
pass through the hands of the taxidermist nowadays. Their place has, in
some degree, been taken by the Galloway and other cattle hides, which
also make a practically one piece robe of good weight leather. These are
too heavy for economical dressing by hand, but the regular tanning
concerns will dress them soft, pliable, and clean for a very reasonable
price.

The regular robe makers do much of their work with the heavy overstitch
sewing machines, but it can be done as well or better by hand at the
expense of more time. Many of the smaller skins, as coyote, raccoon,
fox, opossum, and wild cat make up as handsome carriage robes and sell
at remunerative prices.

Skins of an inferior lustre or that are mutilated are often used. For
instance, the skin of the head may be mounted separately and not
interfere with using the balance in a robe. For use in a robe skins
should be taken off open and stretched in a rectangular shape as near as
possible.

After tanning, sew up all cuts and holes in the skins, dampen the flesh
side with clear water and tack out fur side down on the floor, table
top, or better still on light boards cleated together which may be set
on edge against the wall out of the way. In all sewing on rugs and robes
be sure and use a substantial thread well drawn up, fine stitches are
not essential but good material is, as such things come in for a deal of
rough use unlike mounted specimens which are, or should be seldom
handled. Glovers triangular needles and gilling or carpet thread of
suitable sizes are the necessary tools.

Skins of approximately the same size should be used in making up a robe
or the effect will be bad. After stretching and drying, cut