54 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 



To mount a dried skin, first soak it in alum- water until 

 it is perfectly pliable, and then mount as before. The 

 water should not be too strongly impregnated with alum, 

 or it will crystallize upon the hair. About a quarter of a 

 pound of alum to a gallon of water are the proper propor- 

 tions. If the skull has been detached, replace it, or make 

 an artificial one of grass or plaster to take its place. Mam- 

 mals that have been preserved in alcohol may be skinned 

 in the usual manner and mounted. 



To skin mammals for the fur alone, cut in a straight line 

 from the inside of the knee of one hind leg to the other. 

 Skin as before explained, only cut off the feet and detach 

 the skull. Stretch smoothly on a thin board, with the 

 wrong side out. The skin should be lengthened rather than 

 widened. 



