THE WAY TO MOUNT BIEDS. 41 



the point firmly clinched, and the end protruding back 

 from the abdomen for three or four inches. This wire will 

 sustain the bird. Always wire the feet in the usual way 

 if the bird is to be mounted in the attitude of rest. In 

 mounting other small birds, this method of wiring will an- 

 swer when the bird is represented as flying. Large birds, 

 when mounted in the attitude of flying, should be wired 

 in the usual manner, with the wires that extend beyond 

 the soles of the feet cut short ; then a wire is forced down 

 through the back and clinched under the body, with the 

 end pointing upward ; cut oft' this end so that it will pro- 

 trude but a half-inch beyond the skin, then bend it under 

 the feathers into the form of a hook or ring ; to this fasten 

 a thread, and suspend the bird. To make the bird incline 

 downward, place the wire well back; upward, farther for- 

 ward, or nearer the head. Fine copper wire will answer 

 to suspend large birds in this manner. In mounting a 

 bird in this position, with the wings fully extended, care 

 should be taken that they are properly arched. 



While arranging the wings, it is not convenient to keep 

 the bird suspended, as it will not be sufficiently firm. 

 Sharpen two stout wires and fasten them at both ends 

 (Plate VIII. Fig. 4, b, b), perpendicularly in a block of 

 wood (a), parallel to each other, and about two inches 

 apart. These wires should be at least four inches long. 

 Bend about an inch and a half of the ends down, parallel 

 ■with the block (c). Force these ends into the abdomen of 

 the bird that is being mounted, and it will be firmly held 

 in place while the diff'erent parts are being arranged, after 

 which it can be suspended as described. 



Sometimes it is necessary to mount the skins of rare 

 birds w-hen they are badly decayed. To mount skins in 

 this condition requires skill and patience, as well as a knowl- 

 edge of their different parts. The manner in which I have 

 mounted them is this : First, moisten the skin as de- 



