CHAPTER VI. 



CLEANING BIRDS' FEATHERS; RELAXING SKINS. 



Cleaning Birds' Feathers. — To remove grease and blood stains 

 .Tom the plumage of birds is a simple matter when once understood ; 

 the chief requisites being spirits of turpentine, plaster of Paris, patience 

 and perseverance. For our example we will take an old duck skin, the 

 plumage of which has, in many places turned a rusty yellow from the 

 grease that has come out through the openings and shot-holes. It is 

 one of those skins which, instead of being thoroughly treated in the 

 first place, was, by the carelessness of some one, allowed to go imper- 

 fectly cleaned. This skin is several years old, the grease has penetrated 

 every quill, and the feathers are matted, making it a difficult subject to 

 clean. It is, in fact, often impossible to effectually efface grease stains 

 from skins of this description. We will first relax the skin as directed 

 below and then proceed with the cleaning. With a soft sponge satur- 

 ated with turpentine wash the feathers carefully, rubbing with the grain, 

 lifting them when necessary to get at their base. Use pressure when 

 required. Continue this course of treatment until the stains are removed. 

 The turpentine will cut and dissolve the greasy substances. It is a 

 good idea to first wet the sponge with warm water before soaking it with 

 turpentine. Now get out your plaster box, spread the bird out and 

 completely cover it with plaster of Paris and allow the skin to remain 

 covered until the plaster has absorbed the turpentine. When this is 

 done take the skin out and shake it several times. Now whip the skin 

 with a slender rattan or stick to get the plaster out of the feathers, 

 dressing and arranging them with your fingers. Cover it again with 

 more clean plaster and again take it out and work with the plumage 

 until it obtains its natural fluffy appearance. It is best to perform the 

 cleansing operation where there is a current of air, and the specimen 

 should be beaten and brushed until every particle of plaster disappeared. 

 If not thoroughly beaten out it will fall on the pedestal when the 

 specimen is thoroughly dry. Upon a very old greasy skin this entire 

 operation must sometimes be performed three ox four times before the 

 grease stains will totally disappear, and frequently then, after all oui 



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