ed to, to make the
skins soft, pliable, and of even texture, removing the superfluous
chemicals with which they become charged, and the stiffness by
manipulating the fibers. Much trained skill and dexterity, especially
in knee and arm staking, are required in the stretching, which is the
essential feature of these operations. Breaking is first resorted to.
The break beam, which is armed at each end with a knife edge,
oscillates up and down. In a frame beneath it the operator stretches
the dried and stiff skin. The break beam comes down upon the skin,
stretches and softens it, and removes much surplus custard. The
operator presents a new surface to each stroke of the break beam, and
in a very short space of time the entire skin is rendered soft and
pliable.

Further manipulation upon the arm or knee stake--of which a dull,
semicircular knife blade, supported upon a suitable standard upon the
floor or upon a beam about opposite the worker's elbow is the main
feature--is required. The skin must be drawn across this knife blade
with a considerable application of force so as to reduce the unduly
thick parts, stretch the skin and secure a uniform thickness suitable
for gloves. Much dexterity, especially in the case of fine skins, is
required in this operation to avoid cutting or tearing. The operator
places the fleshy side of the skin over the knife, grasps the two ends
of the skin, and placing his knee upon it and slowly drawing the skin
across the knife edge, he brings his weight to bear upon it. If the
operator is skilled and experienced the skin yields quickly, when
needed, to the strain applied and a uniform texture is secured. The
operation of transforming the skin into leather is now finished, but
age is necessary to secure perfect pliability and softness. The skins
are, therefore, laid away to let the slow chemical operation going on
within them be completed.

The visitor can now watch the further processes of manufacture by
visiting the dye rooms. Skins which have already been aged are
immersed in dye vats, where the delicate colors are imparted to them.
The same care is not required in obtaining the ordinary range of dark
colors, for these are "brushed" on, the skin being spread upon a glass
slab and the dye being painted on with a brush. After they are dyed
the skins are sometimes somewhat hard, and in some classes have to be
staked again in order to restore their pliability. The finishing
touches to a kid skin