Opossum Skins
Dear Aunt Daisy, Could you tell me, through The Listener, how are opossum skins cured or tanned, as I have 18 blue ones given me. I would like to use some of the skins to trim an overcoat. with the fur.
" Aleesh,"
Hunterville.
I’ve enquired of several people, and find that the method of curing lamb skin is generally successful. First peg out the opossum skin on a board, pelt uppermost, and scrape quite clean with a blunt knife or a piece of brick. When dry and stretched, proceed as follows. Do not get the fur wet. Boil 2 tablespoons alum and 1 tablespoon salt in 1 pint water till dissolved. When at blood heat, wash pelt with it, putting plenty on. Roll skin up, folding pelt to pelt, keeping mixture away from wool or hair. Leave for 2 days. Repeat process twice, giving three dressings altogether. Then spread out to dry away from sun and wind. While drying, frequently stretch and pull and rub between hands to soften. When nearly dry, work with a blunt knife, or rub with pumice stone or piece of brick, until skin is as soft as suede.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/NZLIST19540618.2.45.2.2
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 30, Issue 778, 18 June 1954, Page 23
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195Opossum Skins New Zealand Listener, Volume 30, Issue 778, 18 June 1954, Page 23
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