54 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 



To mount a dried skin, first soak it in alum-water until 

 it is perfectly pliable, and then mount as before. The 

 water should not be too strongly impregnated with alum, 

 or it will crystallize upon the hair. About a quarter of a 

 pound of alum to a gallon of water are the proper propor- 

 tions. If the skull has been detached, replace it, or make 

 an artificial one of grass or plaster to take its place. Mam- 

 mals that have been preserved in alcohol may be skinned 

 in the usual manner and mounted. 



To skin mammals for the fur alone, cut in a straight line 

 from the inside of the knee of one hind leg to the other. 

 Skin as before explained, only cut oft* the feet and detach 

 the skull. Stretch smoothly on a thin board, with the 

 wrong side out. The skin should be lengthened rather than 

 widened. 



