feathers that have a tendency to rise. The scapulars 
and wing coverts will generally be found the 
troublesome ones, but whatever position is given to 
the feathers in the binding, will be retained when the 
bird is dry. Before beginning the wrapping process 
it is a good plan to insert a wire in the back of the 
specimen, and another one in the breast (making 
with the wing wires four projections in all), and 
then, commencing on the back, to work in a zigzag 
fashion from wire to wire. 
When the binding is finished, make a final in- 
spection of your bird before laying it aside to dry, 
and see that the expression of the eyes, if it has 
been altered during the posing of the head, is 
thoroughly rectified—there is enormity in a lifelike 
eye. The bird should then be put away in some 
place where it will be free from the attacks of in- 
sects until it is dry or ready for casing. A cupboard 
made after the fashion of a wire gauze meat safe 
makes a good drying-house. The drying period 
varies according to the size of the specimen and the 
condition of the atmosphere, and may last a fort- 
night or longer. The thread is, of course, removed 
when the bird is dry, and all projecting wires are 
cut off. The colour of the bill, tarsi, etc., should be 
restored with a thin coat of good oil paint, and when 
dry treated with copal varnish well thinned with 
turpentine. 
Natatorial species require v-shaped pieces of stiff 
card pinning between the toes, exactly fitting the 
spaces. If this precaution is not taken, the webs will 
shrivel and look most unnatural when dry. 
: 34 
