is reduced to one half
the quantity. Add to this nine gallons of fresh water, and in this
solution souse the skin for two, or three, or four days.

'The hairs having been set by the soaking in alum, the skin will tan
more quickly, and if the tan is occasionally rubbed into the pores of
the skin it will be an improvement. You can tell when the tanning is
complete by the colour the skin assumes. When this satisfies the eye,
take it out and drain on a rod. When nearly dry it should be curried
with olive oil or clarified butter if required for wear, but if only
for floor covering or carriage rug, the English curriers' common
'dubbin,' sold by shopkeepers, is best. This operation, which must be
done on the inner side only, is simple.

'Another simple recipe, and one which answers well, is this. Mix
together of the best English soap, four ounces; arsenic, two and a
half grains; camphor, two ounces; alum, half an ounce; saltpetre, half
an ounce. Boil the whole, and keep stirring, in a half-pint of
distilled water, over a very slow fire, for from ten to fifteen
minutes. Apply when cool with a sponge. A little sweet oil may be
rubbed on the skins after they are dry.

'Another good method is to apply arsenical soap, which may be made as
follows: powdered arsenic, two pounds; camphor, five ounces; white
soap, sliced thin, two pounds; salt of tartar, twelve drams; chalk, or
powdered fine lime, four ounces; add a small quantity of water first
to the soap, put over a gentle fire, and keep stirring. When melted,
add the lime and tartar, and thoroughly mix; next add the arsenic,
keeping up a constant motion, and lastly the camphor. The camphor
should first be reduced to a powder by means of a little spirits of
wine, and should be added to the mess after it has been taken off the
fire.

'This preparation must be kept in a well-stoppered jar, or properly
closed pot. When ready, the soap should be of the consistency of
Devonshire cream. To use, add water till it becomes of the consistency
of clear rich soup.'

I have now finished my book. It has been pleasant to me to write down
these recollections. Ever since I began my task, death has been busy,
and the ranks of my friends have been sadly thinned. Failing health
has driven me from my old shooting grounds, and in sunny Australia I
have been trying to recruit the energies enervated by the burning
climate of India. That my dear old planter friends may have as kindly
recollections of