Skinning and Skin Mounts 103 



press and push the sand around gently against the skin. Pour 

 in more sand. Continue to work along until the fish will not 

 accommodate any more sand. 



The next day let the sand run out of the mold by turning it 

 over. Do not, as yet, separate the mold halves. Set it aside 

 to dry in a warm room or outdoors. Gradual drying is best. 

 After a couple of davs check the compound; if it has hardened, 

 remove the specimen from the mold and store it in a safe place 

 until thoroughly dry. If the fins or tail need to be shaped, relax 

 them bv tying water-soaked cotton around each. Then treat 

 the fins as described earlier in this chapter. 



Before painting the specimen it is best to wait until the fish 

 dries— a couple of weeks or more, depending on drying condi- 

 tions. If the head shrinks noticeably, return it to its former full 

 contours bv applying hot beeswax and modeling into shape. A 

 mount of this tvpe looks best without a plaque or backboard. 

 If one is desired, however, clinch a piece of wood inside the fish 

 with cotton and anchor permanently by applying hot wax over 

 the cotton. The backboard can then be screwed to the wood 

 which is inside the fish. 



