8 NATURALISTS' ASSISTANT. 



arsenical soap), and wrapped with tow. After treating the 

 skin of the leg with arsenic, the bones are to be returned to 

 their places by being gently pushed in. When the upper 

 bone of the wing (Jiumerus} is retained, it must be treated 

 in the same manner. Except in the case of large birds, no 

 treatment is necessary for the bones of the fore wing. In 

 these, however, the muscles may be removed by making an 

 incision on the inside of the wing, and then impregnating 

 with arsenic, and fastening with two or three stitches. Now 

 remove all flesh and fat from the skull and skin, and impreg- 

 nate them thoroughly (the skull inside as well as out) with 

 arsenic. A wire about the length of the neck is then taken, 

 and one end being fastened in the base of the skull, a little 

 tow or flax filled with arsenic is wrapped around it, and the 

 head is pulled out of the neck by means of a string attached 

 to the bill, bringing with it the tow-covered wire. Next dis- 

 pose the wings in their proper position, place the paper ring, 

 mentioned above, around the body, stuff" the skin out to its 

 proper dimensions with tow, sew up the slit, label and dry, 

 and the specimen is ready for the cabinet. 



The foregoing directions are applicable to the majority of 

 birds but will have to be modified occasionally. The feet 

 of the larger birds of prey are frequently fleshy. In these 

 cases it will be necessary to cut a slit on the under side of 

 each toe and perhaps up to the back of the. tarsus to remove 

 the muscles and tendons ; then rub in the preservative, fill 

 with tow and close the openings with a few stitches. The 

 webs on the feet of swimming birds had best be skinned be- 

 low and in all cases should be thoroughly poisoned. 



