METHODS IN THE ART OF TAXIDERMY. 



35 



been boiled down to the consistency of thick molasses, pour it into an 

 earthen jar to cool and harden. Stir it frequently while coolinj^ to 

 prevent the arsenic settling to the bottom. When cold it should be 

 like lard or butter. For use, mix a small quantity with water until it 

 resembles buttermilk, and apply with a common paint brush. 



Poisoning Feathers and Hair. — One of the best methods I know 

 of for poisoning feathers and hair to protect them against the ravages 

 of moths, dermistes, etc., is by the application of the arsenical solu- 

 tion in a weak form. Take any quantity of water, one-fourth of which 

 should be the arsenical solution. Thoroughly saturate with this weak- 

 ened solution a sufficient quantity of clean, white sand to bury a bird 

 skin in from twelve to twenty-four hours. At the end of this time 

 the feathers will be sufficiently poisoned. This liquid can be made as 

 strong as desired by adding more of the arsenical solution, but it should 

 be tested with a black feather to see that it is not too strong of the so- 

 lution, and if too strong there will be a gray or white deposit left on 

 the feather. 



With a liberal coating of arsenical paste or arsenical soap on the 

 inside of the skin your specimen is made as much proof against the 

 attacks of insects as possibly can be. A small quantity of the pure 

 arsenical solution put in the salt and alum bath is a most thorough 

 means of poisoning hair of mammals. 



Upon finished specimens of quadrupeds this solution should be 

 used in a slightly stronger form than that directed for the treatment of 

 bird-skins. In applying it to these it should be poured from the spout 

 of a small tea-pot. Should the solution be so strong as to cause a gray 

 deposit to develop on the hair when dry it can be sponged off with 

 warm water. 



Corrosive Sublimate Solution. — This is a most powerful solution 

 for saturating the hair or feathers of mounted specimens. Its propor- 

 tions are half alcohol and half water, with all the corrosive sublimate 

 the alcohol will take up, and is prepared in this manner : Should you 

 desire to make two gallons of the solution, first take one gallon of 

 the alcohol and dissolve the corrosive sublimate in it — about six 

 ounces — which would be about one ounce to every three pints. The 

 alcohol does not take up all sublimate and the liquid must be poured 

 off that which settles to the bottom. When this is done add a gallon 

 of water and your saturated solution is made. It should be applied in 

 the same manner as that given {ox poisoning feathers and hair, with the 

 weakened arsenical solution. 



