36 



Before the operator proceeds to remove the 

 skin, he should place the plumage as smooth as 

 possible, and carefully clean it from any spot of 

 blood or dirt that may appear upon it : a little 

 soft linen rag, or paper, should be placed in the 

 mouth, which should then be sewed or tied up, 

 to prevent any blood issuing from it. The bird 

 should now be laid on its back, and an incision 

 made with a knife along the breast bone, (where 

 the feathers divide), as far as the vent, taking 

 great care not to cut the flesh : an ivory paper- 

 knife, or the fingers, may then be introduced, to 

 separate the skin from the breast *. The tliighs 

 being gently forced up, the flesh should be cut 

 off, leaving the bone quite clean. The skin 

 may now be easily separated from the body down 

 to the rump, which must be cut off"; then draw 

 it over the back, as far as tlie wings, which cut 



• Some absorbent, as chalk or Hour, should be applied oc- 

 casionaU> to tlie inside of the skin, to prevent its adheriag to 

 the body. 



