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METHODS IN THE ART OF TAXIDERMY. 



Some of the best examples of mammal mounting that have been 

 done in this country, are the work of Prof. L. L. Dyche, of the 

 Kansas University. A proof of his skill and genius in this branch of 

 taxidermy, in the arrangement, grouping and effect of the whole was 

 exhibited in the Kansas building at the World's Columbian Exposi- 

 tion. This was a mammoth exhibit of mammals, consisting of those 

 species belonging to prairies, woods and mountains, and consequently 

 the scene was as varied as the localities and their fauna demanded. 



The groups consisted of the moose, elk, deer, antelope, Rocky 

 Mountain sheep, American bison, cougars, wolves, coyotes, etc. These 

 were all arranged in a manner illustrative of some peculiar habits and 

 characteristics of the animals. 



Mr. Frederic S. Webster has prepared a most interesting group of 

 Duck-billed Platypus Ornillwrhynchus paradoxus. This is one of the 

 most singular little creatures belonging to the animal kingdom — com- 

 bining, as it does, the external characteristics of a duck and a mole, 

 with fur and tail like a beaver, spurs like a cock, and in every way 

 aquatic in its habits. The group is composed of nine specimens — four 

 adult males, four females and one young — arranged in positions rep- 

 resenting their life habits: swimming in the water, coming from and 

 entering their burrow, rolled up in sleeping attitude, climbing limbs, 

 and playing. The vegetation of the locality in which they live is also 

 reproduced as closely as possible, and in every respect teaches the life 

 history of the animal. A caving of the bank of earth discloses the 

 interior of burrow and its narrow passage. In this burrow are two of 

 the animals (a mother and young): the mother just waking up, dis- 

 turbed by the catastrophe, while the little one is yet fast asleep. 



Mammals and birds can be much more easily combined in artistic 

 and instructive groups than reptiles. So far as postures are concerned 

 it is not possible to give to the latter the variety of striking attitudes 

 and peculiarities of which mammals and birds are capable. To make 

 up a group of reptiles, illustrating their life habits and their haunts, 

 we must depend largely upon the truthful reproduction or imitation 

 of the natural surroundings which they inhabit. An illustration of 

 this may be seen in Plate LXXXIV. 



There have been prepared some very interesting and striking 

 groups of the snakes, lizards and turtles, and also of the batrachians. 

 Among the groups in the National Museum is one of edible terrapins, 

 prepared by Mr. Frederic A. Lucas, It well illustrates what may be 

 done with animals which, like turtles, do not readily lend themselves 

 to the making of groups. 



