362 The Book of Woodcraft 



the bird the more difficult. Seabirds, ducks, and divers 

 are usually opened at the back or under the side. Wood- 

 peckers and owls and some others have the head so large 

 that it will not come through the neck skin. This calls 

 for a slit down the nape of the neck, which, of course, is 

 carefully sewn up in finishing. 



If the bird is to have its wings spread, each wing must be 

 wired to the body in the way already set forth for the legs. 



If the bill keeps open when you want it shut, put a pin 

 through the lower jaw into the palate toward the part 

 in front of the eyes, or even wind a thread around the 

 bill behind the pin (see Fig. 11). 



The mistakes of most beginners are: making the neck 

 too long, stuffing it too full, or putting the body so far 

 into it as to stretch the skin and show bare places. 



To make good accessories for a group of mounted birds 

 is another very special business. It involves a knowledge 

 of wax flowers, imitation woods, water, stones, etc., and 

 is scarcely in the Une of the present book. Therefore the 

 beginner is advised to use the simplest wooden stands. 



Not every one has the taste for natural history, but 

 those who have will find great pleasure in preserving 

 their birds. They are not urged to set about making a 

 collection, but simply to preserve such specimens as fall 

 in their way. In time these will prove to be many, and 

 when mounted they will be a lasting joy to the youthful 

 owner. If the museum should grow too large for the 

 house, there are many public institutions that will be 

 glad to offer their hospitahty and protection. 



There is, moreover, a curious fatality attending a begin- 

 ner's collection. It hardly ever fails. He speedily has 

 the good luck to secure some rare and wonderful specimen 

 that has eluded the lifelong quest of the trained and pro- 

 fessional expert. 



