no MOUNTING BIRDS WITH CLOSED WINGS. 



into the upper, or passing a thread through the nostrils and under 

 the lower mandible into the upper, or passing a thread through 

 the nostrils and under the lower mandible where it can be tied in 

 position. The bird is now ready to be wound lightly with thread 

 as represented in Fig. 5. This is done in order to keep in place 

 any of the feathers that happen to be out of order. When a bird 

 is wrapped in this manner it should be examined every day until 

 thoroughly dry, to see that none of the feathers become misplaced. 



Although the wings may be sewed in their proper place as be- 

 fore directed, it is almost always necessary to stick small pointed 

 wires or pins in different parts of the body to aid in holding them 

 in position. When the bird is thoroughly dry the wire which 

 supports the head and neck should be cut off close under the 

 feathers of the head. The web-feet of ducks should be spread 

 and held in place with pins. 



Long-necked Birds — To place the balls of tow in the necks of 

 ducks, a pair of long stuffing forceps is necessary. The necks of 

 herons and swans should be made by wrapping tow around the 

 wire which supports the head. This must be made the same 

 length and thickness of the natural neck, and should have a coat- 

 ing of paste made of corn-starch, so that when dry it will hold the 

 neck firm, and the sharpened point of the wire in these cases 

 should protrude through the skull. "^^ 



The best time to cleanse a bird that is being mounted is after it 

 has been wired and sewn up, but before placing it on a perch. 



