280 Taxidermid. 
In cabinets, (museums) we generally find the larger speci® 
mens but badly, and trequently even miserably executed. 
This is especially the case with foreign specimens, whose skins 
are sent us carelessly stripped off, and shrunk together. 
For stuffing the freshly taken off skins, of larger animals, we 
proceed to be sure pretty much in the manner just de- 
scribed ; but for them it is necessary, as is self-evident, not 
only to have larger tools and coarser substances, but also 
more bodily power, and more time. s on these we cannot 
form with equal exactness the artificial body in all its parts, 
as in smaller subjects without much subsequent refilling and 
retouching, through the various openings in the skin, as well 
as through the jaws, we cannot expect in them to hit so justly 
the natural shape. To imitate, in the artificial figure, the 
strong muscles, tendons, and veins, that show through the 
skin, for instance in a live horse, requires inexpressible 
trouble and patience: it may at last be brought about by rags, 
cords, &c. with great labour ; but for this, there must be a 
living model or good drawing, or copper-plate to copy after. 
To describe every thing appertaining to this subject, is 
impossible ; in the first place, because it would extend this 
work too far, and then again while all these niceties, or 
slights of art, depend upon the expertness and ingenu- 
ity of the artist himself, and upon place and circumstances. 
Tam convinced that any one who shall carefully follow and 
practice the above rules, in the smaller subjects, will at length 
be able to finish large ones. Respecting the management of 
of the dried skins of foreign animals, it is the same as the 
treatment of the dried skins of birds, which will be described 
at large hereafter. Still, we may, as there is no delicate 
plumage to prevent it, pursue a shorter method for softening 
them, viz. by steeping the hides immediately in water, au 
peshen oe ak Even the hair will not suffer by * 
¥ when itis perfectly dry it may be put to rights by a comb, 
-and light brushing. The Gaines the hide See steeped, 
the easier and better will the stuffing succeed. If, as is gen- 
pel? oe case, the skin of the legs has been slit open, let it 
De neatly the first place ; as to the rest, proceed as 
above they are to be stuffed much fuller, (hard- 
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