MOUNTING BIRDS WITH CLOSED WINGS. 



Mounting Birds 



With Closed Wings. 



^n^O mount a bird in a natural and life-like attitude requires 

 ^Jp constant and careful study of the birds in their native haunts, 

 and to become perfect (if such a thing be possible) in any branch 

 of taxidermy we must sfudy native at all tbnes. While to observe 

 birds in their natural state is the best way to obtain a knowledge 

 of their forms and atitudes, it is likewise of the greatest importance 

 on the other hand to know of some method that will aid us in giv- 

 ing to our mounted specimens grace and naturalness in the shortest 

 time and most satisfactory manner, T therefore introduce my 

 method which I believe to be perfection in its practical applica- 

 tion. I do not discard all other methods because they differ in 

 principle from my own, but give mine simply that it may be of aid 

 to the beginner and that it may lead to still greater discoveries by 

 the thoroughly practical taxidermist who will not refuse to adopt 

 what I believe to be an improved method. When a bird has been 

 skinned as before directed, with the wings sewed in their proper 

 place, the next proceedure is to fill the neck, which is done in 

 an entirely different manner from that of filling the necks of skins. 

 Cut some tow very fine and roll it into balls the thickness of the 

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