48 METHODS IN THE ART OF TAXIDERMY. 



away; making artificial rock-work, branches of trees, tree stumps, 

 etc., etc. The uses to which it can be put are indeed numerous. I 

 remember distinctly that a gas-pipe once suddenly sprang a leak in 

 my work-shop. In the opening, which was several inches long, I ap- 

 plied papier-mache and to-day it serves the purpose, apparently as well 

 as solder. In making artificial work of any kind with this material 

 a common putty knife or a small trowel are the instruments to use ; in 

 modeling mouths and other finer work in papier-mache the various 

 shaped modeling tools should be employed. 



Setting Artificial Eyes in Animals. — There are several composi- 

 tions which may be used as a foundation in which to imbed the arti- 

 ficial eyes in mounted specimens. Putty is commonly employed. 

 Papier-mache is better, or potter's clay mixed with a solution of glue 

 is by far the best. Next in order of superiority is absorbent cotton 

 thoroughly saturated with mucilage. ( See foot-note Inserting Glass 

 Eyes, Chapter IV.) 



To Anneal Iron "Wire. — Take common iron wire, make it red-hot 

 and allow it to cool gradually ; this renders it soft and pliable. 



To Straighten Annealed Vyire. — Any of the smaller sizes of an- 

 nealed wire may be made as straight as a new knitting needle by fast- 

 ening one end in a vise, and, with a pair of flat-nosed pliers take hold 

 of the other end and pull steadily until every kink disappears. It can 

 then be cut up into pieces to suit your purpose. The heavy wire must, 

 of course, be hammered straight on an anvil or other solid surface. 



Gluing Hair on Mammal Skins. — It very frequently happens that 

 there are bare spots on the skins of your mounted specimens "which 

 need to be repaired with hair which must be glued fast. The seams, 

 cracks and accidental holes which have been filled with papier-mache 

 must also be covered with hair from pieces of skin of the same species 

 or any cjuadruped whose hair will match that of your mounted speci- 

 men. Sometimes colored, fibrous tow is used to take the place of 

 hair. To replace the hair, or when you substitute, use common fish- 

 glue or a bottle of royal glue will answer the purpose. Either of these 

 glues will answer for mammals, and I have used them in gluing 

 feathers in birds, but for good reasons I prefer the following : 



Glue for Feathers. — This should be placed in a wide-mouthed 

 bottle and applied with a small fine brush : 



Guinarabic .... 4 ounces. 



"White sugar - - - - 1 ounce. 



Arsenical soap - - - - \ ounce. 



iStarcli .... 4 ounces. 



Water ..... 10 ounces. 



