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Materials and Formulas 



In the old days taxidermy and museum preparation incorporated 

 all kinds of formulas and mixtures, and most of them were 

 secrets well guarded by the individuals using them. Today a 

 fresher attitude is taken, at least in museums of natural history, 

 and information pertaining to any part of museum preparation 

 is gladly given. Also, there is less need for formulas and mix- 

 tures concocted in the laboratory. Today there is an amazing 

 array of easily obtainable, inexpensive, durable materials which 

 are a great boon to anyone interested in taxidermv, museum 

 preparation, amateur museums, or fish mounting. 



Furthermore, there is no need for long, impressive lists of 

 "official tools" required for doing the work; this is especially 

 true in producing fish mounts and other fish trophies. Dis- 

 carded pots and pans, old kitchen spoons and dull knives, sharp 

 pen knives, scissors, and "five and dime" spatulas are the tvpe 

 of "fancy tools" required. The other tools which mav be neces- 

 sary are the common saw, file, hammer, pliers, etc. 



The different materials needed for constructing fish mounts 

 can be purchased at local stores which deal in hardware, drugs, 

 chemicals, paints, laboratory supplies, and mason supplies. 

 Glass eyes, tow or sisal, and other specific materials can be ob- 

 tained from one of many taxidermv supply houses advertised 

 under "Taxidermy" in outdoor magazines. Therefore, I am 

 listing only those materials that would require some trouble to 



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