loo FILLING SKINS. 



inserted in the neck; one end of the cylinder resting in the cavity 

 of the skull, the other extending as far as the tail. The leg bones 

 of all birds from the size of a Robin and upwards should have a 

 slight wrapping of tow, hemp or fine grass when they are to be 

 made into a skin — particularly is this the case in Hawks and all 

 rapacious birds. The body-stuffing of any bird may be made of 

 cotton or tow ; the latter is preferable for large birds. This should 

 be made in one mass, rather firmly moulded into something like the 

 shape of the bird's body or trunk, but rather less in bulk. Insert 

 this into the skin until it fits nicely, bring the edges of the incis- 

 ion together and the skin is about completed. In some cases the 

 opening is held together by taking one or two stitches with a 

 needle and thread. 



The usual fault of beginners is in using too much stuffing; thus 

 making the skin to "bulge out" in the wrong places, especially 

 between the shoulders and along the neck. Never make the neck 

 of a skin too long. The specimen is usually meant to lie on its 

 back with the head drawn down near the body. It only remains 

 to "set" the specimen in a shaptly manner by folding the wings 

 neatly, adjusting the head and neck, bringing the legs together and 

 crossing them. The throat of the bird should be filled with 

 cotton and the skin can now be labeled and placed in a drying, 

 board. 



Drying-board. 



These are found very useful in forming or moulding the shape 

 of the skin. They are made by glueing or tacking pieces of thin 

 wood of the same size on a board, equal distances apart. Pieces of 

 heavy paper are fitted between the cross-boards and glued or tacked 



