PLATE XIX. 



VARIATIOyS AND EXCEPTIONS IN SKINNING BIRDS. 



The flr.st four figures in this plate must not be considered as "exceptions" to 

 the general rule for skinning birds. 



In the shape that Figs. 1 to 4 appear they are prepared for what is technically 

 called "skins," in this way, that the neck-filling is inserted in the cavity of the skull 

 before returning the skin over the skull to its proper place. I believe it is by far the 

 best method, however, to insert the neck-filling after the skin has been returned 

 over the skull. 



Fig. 3, fastening the wing to the skin by sewing through the bare spot in the 

 side of the skin, through the lov/er joint of the phalanges and back again through 

 the skin, tying it fast on the inside. See foot-note, l)age 77. 



The neck-filling in Figs. 3 and 4 is placed in the necks of birds in chis shaj)e 

 when they are to be made uj) into skins. 



Fig. 5, incision in the head of a duck for the purpose of skinning it. This 

 must he done in all birds whose skulls will not pass through the skin of the neck, 

 such as the heads of the woodpeckers, ducks, geese, swan, flamingos, cranes, 

 ostrich, etc. 



Fig. 6, sewing up the opening in the head. See foot-note, page 70. 



Fig. 7, showing how to skin the Aving from the outside, by making a cut under- 

 neath from the elbow to the carpal joint Take out tlie muscles and tendons with- 

 out detaching the secondaries Irom tlie ulna. In large birds the flesh between the 

 metacarpal bones should be removed in the same manner. See foot-note, page 70. 



