Killing with Lime

Lime, calcium oxide, forms a white, amorphous, porous substance, which readily takes up water, giving calcium hydroxide, or slaked lime. Only the best grades of lime should be used, as it is very frequently contaminated with calcium carbonate and other inert materials.

10grams of lime are dissolved in
1liter of water.

The skins are entered, and allowed to remain for a period of time which varies according to the nature of the fur. During the killing, the solution must be agitated, in order to evenly distribute the milk of lime, which has a tendency to settle out. After rinsing, the skins are “soured,” by treating with weak acetic acid solution, then thoroughly washed, and drained.