Taxidermia. ; 278 
livmg creatures to copy after in this particular, but in the - 
absence of these, a lively imagination, connected with a close 
acquaintance with the habits of animals, must be the guide 
of the artist. 
drawings and plates, are also of great service to the 
teiassdies ; for it is really almost impossible, without such 
knowledge and other means, to give by guess, or at a venture, 
to these specimens, a proper and natural position. And upon 
what else does the beauty of these preparations depend? Letit 
be ever so carefully and successfully executed, let the operator 
0 pains in the performance, still, unless the attitude in 
which it is exhibited be proper, and true to nature, it can appear 
to no advantage. Our whole attention is to be applied to 
this point, a and we must grudge no industry or care, not to 
to fall into this common fault of many, who in other respects 
are able operators. Having thus given the animal its proper 
position, the feet and toes, and every thing =F properly pla- 
ced, we then examine the head once more, and if any deficiency 
be discovered, remedy i it by stuffing up tow wherever wanting, 
through the openings of the eyes and mouth. Let paper or 
tow be stuffed into the nostrils, to prevent shrinking in the 
baking, and this is afterwards to be removed. The mouth 
and the lips, unless they are intended to appear open, are to 
be closed up with pins or wire; but all these, together with 
the wires that are to support the ears, and the pasteboard or 
cards on which the ears being stretched out with pins, are se- 
cured from curling while drying. As to this expedient for 
keeping the ears in their natural posture, we must be cautious ; 
if it is well applied it is effectual, otherwise of great harm. 
it fluous, and not to apply it, would inev- 
a so that their shape could 
not be peice at 
Every thing being a and here and there retouch- 
~ ed and finished off, let the subject be placed near to a warm 
stove, in order to dry gradually. When this is effected, and 
the wires, cards, &c. at the ears, mouth and nose, zoneeet, 
our labor is over, and the specime n finish a te 
Although the preparation of small qvadrapeds: is an easy 
of the art, yet to prepare the larger and largest, is 
attended with so many difficulties, that even a practised artist 
may be at a loss, (versucht) and one of less experience will 
not easily succeed. is 
