Daryl and the rest, thanks. Skins just seem real dry...don't know if that means tanned or not. Like I said, I'm a total rookie on this thing. Oliver, if you figure out which issue, let me know, but knowing it's that recent I should be able to find it. THANKS AGAIN. The snake skins I got were fairly large, and the guy who sent it now suggests I save them for a recurve and he's gonna send some smaller ones whose spots might be better appreciated on a narrow longbow limb. Trad folks are the best!