To Preserve Skins

Ingredients

• 1 skin
• 3 pounds alum
• 4 ounces rock salt
• water

Directions

1. Soak the skin in water for one day.

2. Clean the skin well of fat.

3. Dissolve alum and rock salt in enough water to cover the skin in a tub.

4. Boil the mixture, then let it cool to lukewarm.

5. Soak the skin in the mixture for four days, working it with your hands or feet several times.

6. Remove the skin and dry it in a warm place, avoiding direct sunlight.

7. Boil the water again and repeat the soaking process.

8. Wash the skin thoroughly, then beat it with a wooden mallet until soft.

9. Dry the skin in the shade, rubbing it between your hands at intervals.