144 



TAXIDERMY AND ZOOLOGICAL COLLECTING. 



the hind leg must not be the least bit longer than the upper 

 end of the femur. Ilemember also to bury the iron well in the 

 centre of the lowest joint of the leg- and the foot, so that it will 

 not be seen when the animal is finished. In order to show the 

 bends that are necessary in the leg irons of a ruminant, I have 

 taken the trouble to photograph and reproduce herewith (Fig. 

 32) the identical leg irons which now support the huge bull 



FIG. 32. Leg Irons of an American Bison. 



buffalo in the National Museum group, the manikin of which is 

 also shown in this chapter. Before bending, the irons for the 

 forelegs were each 4 feet \ inch in length, and those for the 

 hind legs were 4 feet 6| inches ; diameter, f inch. 



4. Having made your four patterns exact in length and bend, 

 cut four leg irons to match, from round rods of Norway iron, or 

 best American, if Norway cannot be procured. I can give you 

 no fixed rule by which to determine the size that leg irons 

 should be, but I can at least mention the sizes I use in certain 

 animals : 



