CHAPTEE XXX. 

 GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF GROUP-MAKING. 



THERE are several vital principles which apply to all kinds of 

 groups, both large and small, and we must consider these be- 

 fore proceeding 1 to discuss the different kinds of groups. 



SPECIMENS. The specimens selected to compose a group 

 should by all means be the finest procurable. It is a mistake 

 to go to the trouble and expense of mounting- a number of 

 specimens in a group unless each object is entirely satisfactory 

 in quality. If the group is to represent a family, let the old 

 male and female specimens be of the larg-est size, and with the 

 finest possible pelage or plumage, as the case may be. Do 

 not begin the mounting of a group until you have in hand a 

 series of specimens that is entirely satisfactory. Let them be 

 so fine that their quality will be remarked by all observers. It 

 will then be a pleasure to lavish work upon them. Even if you 

 should mount a specimen and afterward discover that it is in- 

 ferior, discard it by all means in favor of a better one. A large 

 group of either mammals or birds represents a very consider- 

 able outlay in money and time, and unless the quality of the 

 specimens is above criticism, the group is by no means a suc- 

 cess. I have found that it is a work of from one to two years' 

 time to procure the specimens necessary for a complete group 

 of large mammals of any kind. 



The best of all ways to procure specimens for groups is to 

 go into the field, find them in their haunts, study them alive, 

 study their habitat and their habits ; shoot, measure, and pre- 

 serve them with your own hands. If you are unable to do this 

 yourself, then it must be done for you by some competent 

 person, under your direction. In procuring young animals, 

 which are very necessary in nearly all groups for scientific pur- 



