PREFACE. 



I N April, 1882, my artist delivered to me the first drawings intended for 

 ^ this work. As specimens were procured from time to time, from 

 which to make illustrations of the various procedures in the skinning 

 and mounting of animals, the progress was continued until the present 

 volume is the consummation of our efforts. We have likewise incor- 

 porated some reproductions from photographs of actual work by 

 American taxidermists. All scientific technicalities which could pos- 

 sibly be avoided have been omitted in the text. Our aim has been 

 to produce a work amply illustrating the various modes of procedure 

 in the art of taxidermy, intended especially to instruct the beginner. 

 Those who are experienced in the art may also be aided by some new 

 and practical methods which we have included within these pages. 



We have not followed any established order of zoological classifi- 

 cation in the arrangement of the chapters, but have taken up the 

 practical lessons on birds first, because they usually give the most 

 satisfactory results to the beginner. The mammals, which are more 

 difficult, come next in order and, lastly, the complicated preparations 

 of crustaceans, fishes, reptiles, etc. 



Acknowledgements are due the New York Engraving and Printing 

 Co. for the faithful reproduction of my artist's work, and for the skill 

 and care displayed in the printing of the plates. 



239 West Tenth Avenue, ^~ ^ C7^^^^-^ 



January 10, 1894, / ^/^ r^X) 



Columbus, O. L^^<i<Z>^/^^ .^^.^^Zl-U-ri^ 



