i">4 TAXIDERMY AND ZOOLOGICAL COLLECTING. 



Next, lift the inner edge of the cotton sheet, draw it with gen- 

 tle pressure to make the skin of the right size, and lap it well 

 over the other. The two edges of the cotton sheet will stick 

 together very well by simply overlapping them. 



The head can be adjusted by pulling on the cotton at that 

 < 'lid, and pinching the end together beyond the- head. The bill 

 must be set at the proper angle, and held by catching the point 

 in the cotton. Do not let the bill point straight out, for it will 

 stretch the skin of the throat too much ; neither should it point 

 up "at a right angle to the body, for the tip will be catching in 

 everything that comes near it. The best way with most short- 



P&^Sy^a 





; f M-j/ ;):.. :."" .--:.' . a -, v.;; ' 



FIG. 14. The Skin Half Wrapped. 



billed birds is to let the bill point at an angle of about forty- 

 five degrees to the axis of the body. Beaks that are very long 

 require special arrangement, as shown in Figs. 17 and 18. 



Now lift the wrapped-up skin, lay it with the tail toward you, 

 breast uppermost, and with both hands tear the cotton open in 

 a straight line up to the base of the tail (Fig. 15). You can 

 now spread the tail by overlapping the feathers, or leave it 

 closed if you prefer. See that your label is on, adjust the toes 

 and legs carefully, then fold over the edges of the cotton and 

 overlap them, and the skin is done (Fig. 16). Always spread 

 the toes of all swimming-birds. 



Another plan is to dispose of each skin in a little cylinder of 

 paper, made to fit, of course. This is the best. plan when you 

 are far from tho conveniences of home, and in a hurry. The 



