37 



off close to the body ; then, pushing the joint 

 from the outside inwards, the skin will easily 

 separate from the flesh, which must be scraped 

 off the bones. It may then be pulled over the 

 neck and part of the head, as far as the eyes ; 

 the head must be pressed inwards and separated 

 from the neck. In the back of the skull a hole 

 should be made with a penknife, of sufficient size 

 to admit an instrument resembling an ear pick- 

 er, but rather larger, with which the brains, 

 eyes, tongue, and the fleshy membranes may be 

 extracted, taking care not to disturb the bones 

 of the head. The skin must be very carefully 

 examined, (particularly about the vent and rump) 

 and every piece of flesh or fat removed, and the 

 feathers placed in exact order. 



As the skin in this state is extremely suscep- 

 tible of enlargement, the greatest precaution 

 must be used not to extend it. The preservative 

 powder, or soap, is now to be carefully intro- 

 duced into every part ; and if any appearance of 



