]

A slab or plank 6 or 7 feet long, with one end tapered and half rounded,
on 2 or 4 legs of such length as to bring the end against the workman's
chest, makes a beam.

[Illustration: BENCH BEAM.]

A short piece of plank rounded off and bolted to the top of the table or
work bench will do for small skins.

[Illustration: ADJUSTABLE BEAM.]

Make up the quantity of tanning liquor you wish by the following
formula, also given in Chapter III:

Water 1 gallon
Salt 1 quart

Bring to the boiling point to readily dissolve the salt, and add

Sulphuric acid 1 fluid ounce

Allow it to cool before putting in the skins. _Handle the undiluted
acid with care._ Use common coarse salt and the commercial acid.
Skins not wanted at once may be left in this pickle for months without
injury.

About a gallon of pickle to a fox size skin is the correct amount, but
it may be used several times before losing its strength.

After the skin is removed from the carcass any blood and dirt is washed
from the fur, the flesh side well salted, rolled up and left 12 to 48
hours. Then thoroughly beam or scrape down the inside of the skin,
removing all flesh, fat and muscles. Skins already dry may be placed
either in clear water or tan liquor until they soften up. It takes
longer to soften in the tan, but if put in water it must be watched or
the hair will start, especially in warm weather.

A very hard, dry skin must be soaked and scraped alternately until
thoroughly relaxed. When well softened, treat same as a fresh skin. If
very fat or greasy, soak the skin in benzine an hour, wring out well,
hang up till the benzine is about evaporated, then place in the tan. If
not very fat the skin need not be put in the benzine first, but go in
the tan at once after being scraped. I use common stove gasoline for
benzine; it is as good for the purpose of cleaning and deodorizing, and
cheaper. It must never be used in the vicinity of fire or a lighted
lamp, as its evaporation produces a very explosive gas. For this reason
I do the cleaning and beating of furs out of doors if practicable.
Gasoline wrung out of skins may be saved and, after allowing to settle,
used again and again. It will not do for the final cleaning of white
furs, but for removing grease before tanning, it is as good as any. Stir
the skins about in the tan frequently that all parts may come in contact
with the solution.

L