94 How To Make Fish Mounts 



to be clear in scale definition, nor have a smooth shelf, nor do 

 the fins have to be included in the mold. This method requires 

 less time than any other in molding. 



Construct a wooden box big enough to allow 4 or 5 inches 

 of room on all sides of the fish. The sides need not be more 

 than a few inches high ( Fig. 90 ) . Place a piece of newspaper 

 inside this receptacle to act as a separator between the plaster 

 and the wood. Pour the plaster directly into the box. Then 

 place the fish gently on the soft plaster and press it in slowly 

 until the mid-line of the back and belly is reached. The under- 

 side of the fins and tail now are in contact with the plaster. 

 Before the plaster has thoroughly set, dig away some of it from 

 around the ventral fins so that they are not buried. When the 

 plaster has set, remove the fish and skin it. 



Now place the skin in the mold. Check carefully so that 

 every portion of the skin fits accurately into the mold. If you 

 wish to brush a 10 per cent solution of Formalin on the inside 

 of the skin, head, and body, now is the time to do it. 



Fill the downside of the body with plaster or casting com- 

 pound. If plaster is used, it should be mixed to a heavier con- 

 sistency than for molding— like whipped cream. Spoon it into 

 the head; press well forward to be sure it fills all parts. Work 

 smartly; the plaster has to be of the proper consistency to push 

 around, but that is only a step away from setting. Place a piece 

 of looped wire into the back of the plaster. Turn the ends so 

 that the wire cannot pull out. This will serve well for hanging 

 the fish on the wall. A piece of skin may have to be cut to 

 accommodate the wire. Obviouslv, the wire should be shaped 

 and ready before the plaster is mixed. Sew the skin together 

 after the plaster has set in the body. 



If the fish is intended to be attached to a wooden plaque, in- 

 sert a piece of wood into the plaster while it is still soft ( Fig. 98 ) . 

 The wood should be waterproofed by dipping it in hot paraffin 

 wax. It can also be made moisture resistant by lacquering, 

 painting, or bv some other method. Here again it is obvious 

 that the wood has to be prepared before attempting to mix the 

 plaster. The plaque is attached to this piece of wood with a 



