234 METHODS IN THE ART OF TAXIDERMY. 



and a liigher degree of polish can be obtained in a short space of time. 

 We shall take for our trial a pair of steer horns. With a piece of glass 

 scrape the horns perfectly smooth, and then go over the surface care- 

 fully with fine sandpaper. After this has been done, rub it down with 

 pumicestone and linseed oil. A high polish may now be obtained by 

 rubbing the surface with a heavy piece of felt. 



By soaking the horns in concentrated lye yon can give to them 

 any curve you may desire and they may be scraped and polished much 

 more easily. If any holes are to be bored in the horns it must be done 

 while they are soft, for when they become dry the horn is as brittle 

 as glass and is easily broken. 



