74 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 



the neck and tail, and other bones of the back, in position. 

 I Next, force a wire through the hollows in the bones of the 

 ' tarsi, tibia, and hips (Plate X. k, y, j) by drilling a hole 

 through each end; now fasten this wire to the broad bone 

 that covers the back (m), by drilling a hole through on 

 each side and bending the wire down firmly (x), first over 

 then under the bone, where it meets the end of the oppo- 

 site wire ; twist the ends together. The wing, breast, and 

 other bones are now fastened on by drilling holes trans- 

 versely through the ends and running wires through and 

 twisting them (r, d). 



The skeletons of mammals, fishes, etc. are mounted in 

 much the same manner. If large, they are supported on 

 iron rods. The wire used niust be composed of brass or 

 copper, as iron corrodes easily. The fleshy or cartilaginous 

 parts of the feet should be removed, but not the outer or 

 horny portion of the bill. 



