In the first few weeks, when the hides are in the weakest liquor, they need to be moved about, or handled, to ensure an even permeation of tannins. The hides are tied to poles attached to frames. The frames are connected to the waterwheel and the hides move to the ebb and flow of the river Coly. After this the hides are ready to be placed in layer pits, where the hides rest in the thickest of the tanning liquors until they are ready to come out for drying and rolling. In contrast with the speed-tanning of chemical methods in which the natural weave is lost, this traditional method preserves the natural weave and ensures long lasting materials.