FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB. 283 



7: As the skin dries, try to get the face to assume as natural 

 a shape as possible, and the ears to stand up in their natural 

 position. Tie the label on to the ankle before pinning the skin 

 down. 



8. Disarticulate skull from trunk, roughly clean it, but do 

 not boil it or separate the lower jaw, and then let it dry. Be 

 very careful not to cut or injure ifc in any way; if there is not 

 time enough to get the brain out through the natural hole at the 

 back, it must be left in to dry up. Label the skull with a 

 corresponding number to that of the skin, and afterwards when 

 both are quite dry, it may be tied on to the leg of the skin, or 

 the skulls may be packed and sent home separately if so labelled 

 as to prevent any possible confusion. 



9. Pack the skins up carefully in small boxes when they are 

 dry, with enough paper, or better still, wool, to prevent them 

 shaking about ; but if possible do not roll them up separately in 

 paper before they arc dry, as drying in paper gives the fur an 

 unnaturally sleek appearance. 



10. Bats should have their wings closely folded up on each 

 side of the body, but in such a way as not to hide the fur of the 

 bell} r . The thumbs should be made to point inwards or down- 

 wards, not outwards. 



The skinning of larger animals must necessarily be some- 

 what different to the above, but the make up of skins should be 

 as described, except that when the combined lengths of body and 

 tail exceed 30 inches, the tail should be bent up underneath the 

 belly, while the fore as well as the hind feet should be directed 

 backwards. The total length over all of middle-sized skins, such 

 as foxes, <&C., should not if possible exceed 30 inches, any excess 

 over this length being reduced by directing the hind feet 

 forwards, or even by folding the skin up across the belly. 



]\'AXTED, generally, all small mammals, however common, 

 so long as they are not domesticated or inhabitants of houses, 

 i.e. squirrels, rats, mice, shrews, moles, bats, weasels, stoats, &c., 

 ike. l)o not be afraid of sending too many of the same sort, if 

 carefully prepared and labelled according to the directions. 

 Series of skins representing the different seasons are always of 

 interest. 



Such animals are to be obtained chiefly by trapping, gins, 

 break-back, or other traps being placed about in likely places, 

 runs and mouse holes being specially 'looked for. Suitable traps 

 may be obtained from Mr. Spong, 106, Fulham Road, London, 

 S.W. Pitfall traps, made out of a glass or metal jar sunk in 

 Hush with the ground, are also very often successful. 



