220 METHODS IN THE ART OF TAXIDERMY. 



imen, on a similar plan as we have it in Fig. 1, Plate LI, and on the 

 opposite leaf enter carefully each measurement, together with other 

 notes and remarks which you may think would be of value to you in 

 the construction of the manikin or clay model. This sketch-book 

 should be kept for future reference. In the smaller specimens, which 

 should be mounted upon the dermoplastic method, the best plan after 

 taking full measurements, sketches, etc., is to make plaster casts of the 

 prominent muscles of the hind and fore legs and of the head after skin- 

 ning. Making casts will be fully treated in the last chapter. For my 

 purpose of describing the measurements of mammals to be mounted by 

 the directions given in this chapter, I shall take for my outline the 

 deer, Fig. 1, Plate LI.' These same directions will be found facing this 

 plate, which will facilitate ready reference. The measurements given 

 below are recommended for all mammals which are to be mounted upon 

 the dermoplastic method. 



Skinning Large Mammals. — The manner of skinning mammals 

 of great size and the short-haired ones for mounting by this method 

 differs from the skinning of small quadrupeds, chiefly in one particu- 

 lar, which is as follows : A cut is made from the bottom of the foot 

 up the back of the leg nearly to the first joint, and from thence up the 

 inside of the leg until it meets the center incision which has been made 

 along the belly. This is very distinctly shown in Fig. 2, Plate LI. 



1. Measurements of Large Mammals. — Before taking these measurements make notes of the color of any 

 external fleshy parts which the animal may possess. If it is to be mounted with the mouth open study its tints 

 and peculiarities. 



Height at Shoulder, which means from the sole of the foot to the top of the shoulder. This is best 

 taken by placing a rod perpendicularly at the top of the shoulder, a, and holding the leg up on a level with the 

 body in an easy position ; now measure from the sole to the perpendicular at the shoulder. 



Length along the Back is made by beginning at the base of the skull and running the tape-line along 

 the line of the back to the base of the tail. 



Length of Body is on a straight line from the chest to the end of the hip muscles, or muscles of the 

 rump, as in h. This measurement may be made by holding a rod in a straight line and placing a stick perpendic- 

 ularly at the chest and another in the same position below the tail. The measurement is taken between these. 



Length of Neck, from the chest to the base of skull back of the ear, c. 



Thigh Measurement from the knob of the thigh-bone down to largest part of the thigh under the tail, d. 



Circumference of Neck just below the head, e. 



Circumference of Neck just in front of the chest,/". 



Circumference of Body behind the fore legs, g. 



Circumference of Body just before hind legs, li. 



Top of Back, from humerus to middle of back, i. To obtain this measurement you will have to feel for the 

 knob of the femur and then strike the center line of the back. 



Hind and Fore Leg Measurements, k, I, and vt : >i, o, and/, circumference at three points as indicated. 



HiMERUS AND Femur MEASUREMENT. This is One of the most important measurements which can be re- 

 corded, and It should be again taken after the animal has been skinned, r. Feel for the knobs of the humerus 

 and femur and measure the distance between them. With this measurement you can place the iron squares in 

 their proper places for the reception of the leg irons. 



Length of Tail is always a necessary mk.asurement when a mammal is to be mounted on the dermoplastic 

 method. 



Circumference of Muzzle and Head. The circumference of the muzzle in at least two places should 

 always be recorded, also one of the head in front of the ears. 



A few years ago, before skinning two African Elephants of small size I obtained the exact curves of their 

 backs by pressing bars of lead close along the middle line of the back, thus obtaining very accurately theii 

 shapes. The shapes of the curves between the legs were secured in the same way. 



