FILLING SKINS. 



99 



After the skin has been turned right side out and the feathers of 

 the head, neck and wings are nicely adjusted, the wing-bones of 

 opposite sides should be tied with thread inside the skin as near 

 together as the back of the natural body of the bird is broad. The 

 next proceedure is to 



Sew the Wings in their Proper Place : — There 

 are many modes of adjusting the wings to 

 their proper place but I know only of one 

 method which can be reh'ed upon for accuracy, 

 and can be applied to mounted birds as well 

 as skins with the most satisfactory results. 



It is applicable to all birds excepting those 

 like the Eagle and Fish Hawk whose wings 

 extend forward and are not covered with 

 the side feathers of the breast. It is as fol- 

 lows : After placing the wings in position, 

 with the bones of the forearm pushed well 

 into the skin, so that they may lie down on 

 each side ; take hold of the edge of the skin 

 at the opening and raise it up ; at the same 

 time holding it towards the light — now, look- 

 ing into the skin a bare spot will be discovered 

 in the skin of the axilla or armpit. Through 

 the centre of this bare or transparent spot 

 push a needle with thread from the inside of 

 the skin — now thrust the needle between the 

 third and fourth metacarpal bones of the wing 

 opposite the end of the coverts of the bastard 

 wing; return the needle by thrusting it back 

 in new places between the third and fourth 

 metacarpal bones and through the skin of the 

 axilla or armpit. Now draw the wing up 

 close to the skin and tie it firmly on the in- 

 side. If these directions are followed, the collector or taxidermist 

 will never fail having the wings adjusted in their proper place. 



Filling Skins: — A cylinder or roll of yf«<? tow or cotton is now 

 made, rather less in size than the neck of the bird ; this should be 



