APPENDIX. 177 



cock my gun, eyen when Snipe shooting, after the bird 

 rises, and kill ; further, I can shoot two Quail which 

 both jump at once and fly in opposite directions, cock- 

 ing each barrel for each bird after they are a-wing. 

 Almost any one can do this with practice. 



Birdlime may be used to advantage in securing 

 birds, especially during the breeding season. A small 

 twig is covered with a thin layer of this exceedingly 

 viscid substance, and placed in such a position that 

 the bird will alight on it when she goes to the nest. 

 The limed twig should be lightly poised, so that it will 

 fall a short distance, as this will cause the bird to 

 stretch out its wings, and thus become entangled more 

 firmly. The lime should be spread with the fingers, 

 which should be first wet, to prevent its sticking to 

 them. I have also used various traps, snares, etc., to 

 advantage in capturing birds. The blow-gun is also 

 very good, although it is somewhat uncertain, as pro- 

 jectiles fired from it are apt to glance from twigs, 

 leaves, etc. 



Sectioit II. How to prepare Specimens, Instru- 

 ments, Materials, etc. 



To the instruments mentioned add three or four 

 sizes of awls, made long for boring the feet and tarsi 

 of dried skins. 



I have now given up the use of arsenic, as being 

 very poisonous, for I am convinced that my healtk 

 has suffered from using it. I have, however, discov- 

 ered another substance which I think far superior to 

 arsenic. This is a product of coal-tar, and resembles 

 carbolic acid in its effect as a preservative. The odor 

 is also disagreeable to insects, and specimens preserved 

 with it are free from their attacks. This new preserv- 

 ative is in the form of a powder, and is not a danger- 

 ous poison. 



