90 



Tin: AMl-.HICAS MISEIM ./()(1{.\.\/. 



Photograph by James L. Clark 



The taxidermist's work of measuring and skinning tlic liippo must usually ho done in 

 tlie water. Kisii boys are waiting to get tlie meat, wliich tliey consider the best of all 

 African game because it has a large amoimt of delicious fat 



tlie field to gather the neeessury inaterial. He it is who i)i(ks iVoiii the lu-nl 

 the specimens whieli \\\]\ best show the physical (litleiciices at \iiryiiig ages, 

 or in the case of horned animals, it may he a series of males which will illus- 

 trate the growth of the horns from the young spikehorn to the matured and 

 typical horn or antler. 



After the selected specimen has fallen to the rifle, photographic records 

 must he made, for they prove most vahiahle to the taxidermist, not only in 

 showing the animal in full l)ut also in Fin-nishing important details of hoth 

 front and side views. If possible a plaster cast of the face or entire head is 

 made. Careful description is essential as to the color of the eyes, eyelids 

 and nostrils or any fleshy portion which may undergo a change when the 

 skin is dried, and e.xact measurements of the body and limbs are recorded. 



Great difficulty is fre(iuently encountered when collecting hippos, for 



