20O METHODS IN THE ART OF TAXIDERMY. 



should correspond exactly to the width of the pelvis and the distance 

 between the heads of the humeri. Of course you will have to 

 depend upon the measurements you have taken of these points in the 

 carcass or skeleton. The iron square may be used on the narrow center 

 board in all the larger qjiadrtipeds mentioned in this chapter, and the 

 specimens are all stuffed precisely as we have directed in the case of 

 the coyote which we have just finished, and it would be unnecessary 

 for me to repeat the details. It requires forethought, ingenuity and 

 hard work from beginning to end to mount any of the larger mammals 

 by the soft filling method. The broad center board and the iron square 

 obtain their highest value in the dervioplasiic method, as exhibited in 

 the mounting of the ostrich, Plate XXIII ; that of the greyhound, Plate 

 LII, and of the horse, Plate LVI. The mounting of large mammals 

 will be fully discussed in the next chapter. 



Making up Skins. — The object of making up dry skins is either to 

 form them into shapes best to handle in scientific study, that they 

 take up as little space as possible in a cabinet, or for the purpose of 

 transportation from the field, or for mounting at some future time. 

 We shall first consider the making up of cabinet specimens. The 

 most beautiful and artistic small mammal skms which I have ever seen 

 are those prepared by Dr. Jasper. The fox squirrel skin in Plate 

 XLVIII is an example of how some of them are shaped ; in this speci- 

 men the tail is thrown over the back. Sometimes the tail is arranged 

 over the belly, which is better in case the skin is made up for trans- 

 portation. In all the smaller long-tailed specimens, and in every case, 

 the tail should be wired and made as directed on page 83, to protect it 

 from injury, and the legs and feet should be arranged with the same 

 end in view. Many skins are made up with the tail parallel with the 

 body. In large specimens the tail, which has been split open, may be 

 left flat. The skull can be replaced in the skin of the head if desired, 

 the cheeks filled out to their fullness, the muscles of the legs replaced 

 with tow, aud the body filled full and pressed into shape after the open- 

 ing has been sewn up. If, after you have sewed up the opening, you 

 discover that the skin is too full, or lacking filling in any part, cut the 

 seam open and remedy the defect, whatever it may be. Be sure not to 

 fill the skin too full; this is a common fault. One of the best methods 

 to dispose of the skull is to place it in the abdominal region with the" 

 filling. When this is done, the skin of the head must be nicely filled 

 with tow. The lips may be held together by taking a stitch 

 in the middle of the upper and lower and tying them together. 

 In all cases, in the field or in the workshop, before filling the skin give 



