In ‘The Complete Book of
Tanning Skins and Furs’, author James Churchill recaptures the skill of those
days with the most comprehensive set of how-to’s available for making soft
leather and dressed furs today. Beginning with a small animal such as a rabbit
or squirrel, the step-by-step instructions show and tell how to:
*Peel off the skin *Flesh it
to remove every bit of meat and fat *Hang the green hide for drying *Mix the
correct tanning solution for soaking *Apply a coating of oil *”Work” the
flesh side until soft *Clean the fur with sawdust or cornmeal *Sand the flesh
side and rub with oil
The tools and equipment
necessary for tanning are also listed and explained. Churchill introduces
skinning knives, fleshing beams, various tanning solutions and other aids along
with the techniques in which they are used. Interesting background information
adds to this comprehensive portrait of tanning. Facts on animal skins- what they
are made of and why they can be preserved- precedes specific instructional
sections and a chapter on pioneer tanning methods thoroughly examines the roots
of this art in Indian life.