Casts 



57 



into the cast— 1 to 2 inches wide and about 4 to 8 inches in 

 length, depending on the size of the fish. Press compound into 

 these strips with a putty knife; use enough force so that the 

 material is well impregnated. It is best to do this on a piece of 

 glass that has been greased. Turn the strips over and apply 

 them to the mold so that they meet or overlap each other a bit. 

 Cover the entire area of both molds. Rub more compound 

 over the cheesecloth layer after it has been placed in the mold 

 before applying the next course. In small fishes two layers of 

 material may be sufficient; however, as many layers as desired 



Fig. 50. Alaskan sheefish produced in casting compound. 



may be worked into the cast. Allow one layer of reinforcement 

 to set before placing the next one; otherwise, the cast will re- 

 quire an unnecessarily long time to dry. Be sure to add water 

 and plaster to the casting compounds; it will facilitate setting 

 of the compound. For certain purposes I have reinforced the 

 cast with Js-inch mesh wire. Large fish can be strengthened 

 with /4-inch mesh wire. Cut the mesh wire into strips, place 

 them lengthwise into the cast, and secure them with com- 

 pound. 



After the compound has set, trim the cast in both halves of 

 the mold where the edge of the cast meets the edge of the 

 shelf. Place the halves together and check to see that they fit 



