XXX INTRODUCTION 



whole process of skinning should take only from two to four min- 

 utes. 



As soon as tlie skin is turned back, the feathers should be smoothed 

 and arranged, the eyelids adjusted, and the edges of the opening of 

 the skin laid together before it is put down. 



Stuffing. — For the sparrow, take a short thick piece of cotton — 

 tow for large birds — that will make a form the size of the body 

 that has been removed from the skin, and press it firmly together 

 with the fibers all one way. To fill the skull and make a firm neck, 

 pinch one end of the cotton flat and double it over twice, holding it 

 firmly after each time between the thumb and finger of the left 

 hand. Then catch the hard compact point of cotton between the 

 forceps in a position to hold it securely and push it into the bird 

 skin, forcing the point up through the neck and base of the skull, 

 catching it again with the left thumb and finger in the mouth of 

 the bird. Loosen and draw out the forceps, but hold the cotton in 

 the mouth until the skin is drawn back and adjusted over the 

 stufling, and superfluous bits, of cotton removed or tucked in. 



Then draw together the edges of the skin and catch with a couple 

 of stitches. When the wings have been put in place under the 

 feathers at the sides, and the feathers properly arranged and 

 smoothed, the skin is ready to be labeled and wrapped in a thin 

 film of cotton. Then the bill can be tied shut with a thread and 

 the bird laid away to dry. 



A beginner's skins are often greatly distorted, and only practice 

 can teach the correct amount of cotton to use and its proper form 

 and proportions. The best way is to keep in mind the size and 

 form of the bird's body, and try to reproduce them. Be careful not 

 to make bulging or weak necks. Leave each skin straight and 

 symmetrical when put away to dry, and each feather back in its 

 original place. 



Laheling. — Skins should be fully labeled with locality, date, sex, 

 number, and collector's name, while such additional data as color of 

 eyes, bill, feet, or any parts that fade, notes on breeding or locality 

 where taken, stomach contents, etc., can be placed on the back of 

 the label or kept in a catalogue under the number of each specimen. 



^-n\ Collection of Vernon Bailey. 



vol Washingto'n, D. C.^ ^Vc^ >4- 190 2 V. B. 



Sexing. — To determine the sex, cut through the side of the ab- 

 dominal wall, push away the intestines, and close against the small 



