FACTS FOR MECHANICS. 41 



Another important part of the operation consists in shaping, and 

 here we would advise him, who has not much experience, to seek the as- 

 sistance of a picture of the animal which he is preparing, which he will 

 find of great use in enabling him to adjust properly the head, neck, legs, 

 tail, &c., which, if not properly performed, may place his specimen in a 

 very ridiculous and unnatural position. By means of the wires every part 

 may be bent to its proper shape. If glass eyes cannot be procured pieces 

 of painted wood may be used as a substitute, sometimes a dried bean or 

 pea painted at the end will be found most convenient, but when nothing 

 better is at hand, a piece of wood colored with common water colors, 

 and varnished with gum Arabic, will answer. Lastly, the wires which 

 pass through the feet, may be inserted into holes in a board, the hair 

 smoothed with a comb or brush, and the work is then ready for the shelf. 



In conclusion, we will observe that no instructions are equal to prac- 

 tice. The few directions which have been given may serve as a guide, 

 but practice only can enable the young naturalist to prepare a specimen 

 which he will be able to view with satisfaction. Let every one, then, 

 who wishes to engage in this delightful art, and contribute to the repu- 

 tation and usefulness of his Alma Mater, by creating for her a museum 

 of Natural History which need be second to none in this country, pro- 

 cure the requisite materials and commence at once. Let him seize the 

 first subject that is so unfortunate as to cross his path, divest it forth- 

 with of its integuments, and after his recitations have been prepared (not 

 before) proceed to operate — if unsuccessful in the first attempt, if the 

 rat or squirrel happens to resemble on a small scale some of the fabled 

 monsters of antiquity, or if it proves to be altogether a nondescript, let 

 him not be discouraged, try again, "perseverance will insure success," 

 and he will soon find himself in possession of the means not only of 

 spending an hour profitably, but also of contributing to the diftusion of 

 scientific knowledge among his companions, and of increasing their taste 

 for the study of the beautiful and interesting works of God. 



FACTS FOR MECHAMCS. 



Filing of Saios. It is perhaps less generally known than it ought 

 to be, that the same saw is not equally well adapted to cutting against 

 and across the grain of wood. 



principally for those who have never perhaps attempted to prepare a specimen, and 

 we therefore, give the easiest, without presuming to assert that it is the neatest or 

 best way of accomplishing the object. A little experience will perhaps enable the 

 operator to attach the legs without making openings expressly for that purpose on 

 the outside. 



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