Use one of the largest wing feathers of a bird such as a goose, turkey or crow. Heat some sand in a pan until very hot. Remove from the heat and place the end of the quill in the sand for a few minutes. This will dry out the oils and harden the quill. Dissolve a little alum in boiling water. Dip the end of the quill in the alum. Then, with a knife cut the end of the quill at an oblique angle to form a writing point. Make a vertical slit to complete the nib.
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