SCIENTIFIC TAXIDERMY FOR MUSEUMS. 383 



A knowledge of drawing and modeling are also indispensable; qualifications, to 

 enable tbe stuffer to place bis subject in a position both natural and striking. It is 

 the too-frequent practice for the stuffer to set about preserving the animal without 

 having determined in what attitude he is to place it, so that it will appear to most 

 advantage and be in character with the ordinary habits of the creature. This he leaves 

 to the last efforts of finishing his work, and. consequently, its proportions and 

 character are likely to be devoid of all appearance of animation. 



The first thing, therefore to be attended to in all great national natural history 

 establishments is to choose young persons who are yet in their boyhood to be in- 

 structed in this art most important to science. Their studies should be commenced 

 by deep attention to drawing, modeling, anatomy, chemistry, while they at the 

 same time proceed with the practical part of their art. Every opportunity of ex- 

 amining the habits and actions of the living subject should be embraced and its atti- 

 tudes and general aspect carefully noted. Without strict attention to these points, 

 so manifestly obvious, the art of preserving animals never will attain that degree of 

 perfection which its importance demands. On the other hand, if this art is pursued 

 in the manner here recommended, artists may be produced who will fulfill the ob- 

 jects of their profession with honor to themselves and advantage to their country. 

 Would any person expect to arrive at eminence as a sculptor if he were unacquainted 

 with the established preliminaries of his art, namely, drawing and anatomy? The 

 thing is so self-evident, that I am only surprised it has not longagobeen acted upon. 

 Upwards of twelve years have elapsed since I pointed out these facts to the profes- 

 sor of natural history in the University of Edinburgh, but things continue as they 

 were before that time. 



Since Capt. Brown wrote these words, and very true ones they are, 

 another art and the accessories to it have enormously developed. I 

 refer to the art of photography. Now, if there be one thing more use- 

 ful to the scientific taxidermic artist than another it is a full practical 

 knowledge of the use of the photographic camera and all that directly 

 pertains thereto. Its application is most varied, and is greatly en- 

 hanced by the use of the time and instantaneous shutters. By the use 

 of the camera the taxidermist can secure subjects that the unaided eye 

 and pencil can never give him, and these are all kinds of animals in rapid 

 motion, and they may be obtained, after a due amount of practice, by 

 the use of the photographic camera. One has but to study the superb 

 series of photographs obtained through the indefatigable Eadwuard 

 Muybridge to appreciate my meaning here. No taxidermist who has 

 any regard for an attainment of excellence in his calling should neglect 

 to make good photographs of all the living animals that he can, and that 

 upon every possible opportunity. This should not be confined to wild 

 animals alone, but to all the domestic ones in their most common atti- 

 tudes. 



Horses, cows, dogs, cats, pigs, and till the barnyard fowls should by 

 no means be beneath his notice. They should also be takenfrom many 

 points of view," I might say from every possible point of view, and then 

 be nearer what the taxidermist really needs in his work. He should 

 carefully keep a series of large-sized and suitable scrapbooks wherein 

 all his photographs should be carefully inserted, together with his 

 sketches, and everything of the kind, with their full histories and notes, 



