TRAIL CRAFT In tanning furs,
we must
flesh the hide as
above
directed, but omit the graining process which would remove the hair. Furs for rugs or rabbit skin robes are
prepared in this way.
Fur Tan
Paste.
Take of common
salt,
one-fourth
one-fourth pound;
borax, pound; alum, powdered, one ounce. Add just enough hot water to melt the above, and then when cool add enough sawdust or corn meal to make a thick paste. Spread this thickly on the fleshed side of the hide. Fold the skins over to the middle where they meet, then roll from the head end toward the tail end into a compact roll. Put in a cool place for a week, now and then unrolling and sprinkling to keep it wet. Then scrape off the tan paste. If it is a thick skin
reapply another coat of paste,
leave for another week.
Now
roll
up,
and
scrape off the paste,
clean and rub between the hands while
it is drying to This method does not waterproof the leather, so keep it in a dry place. Some Uses of Leather by the Camper. The leather prepared according to the directions given above can
make
it soft.
be used to make camp equipment and in repair work of various kinds.
For sewing materials one needs a sharp
knife,
an awl,
harness needles, harness or shoe thread, beeswax, and a clamp or vise. The best sewing awl is a lock-stitch
With this simple device you can do all kinds of sewing, and it takes the place of the awl and needle, and its special thread is the best general purpose sewing thread one can secure. It makes stitches like awl.
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