METHODS IN THE ART OF TAXIDERMY. .- , 



is done with arsenic soap. It penetrates very well, especially if thinned 

 a little with naphtha. Vaseline is also used on book-backs to soften 

 them, to prevent mould, and to keep insects away." 



" For botanical specimens this is said to be an excellent pre- 

 servative : 



One ounce of corrosive sublimate to one quart of alcohol, diluted 

 fifty per cent. The best plan is to dip the specimens and then care- 

 fully dry them. The poison can also be painted on with a camel's hair 

 brush. 



'* For the preservation of entomological specimens, the strongest 

 solution used should be corrosive sublimate and alcohol, 1 to 100, and 

 the weakest 0.1 to 100. 



" For insects on plants, the following solutions are recommended : 



FIRST SOLCTIOX. SIXOND SOI.CTIOX. 



Salt \L\ pounds. First solution 1 (juiirt. 



.Saltpeter -4 ounces. Arseniate of potash 2 ounces. 



Water 1 gallon. , Water 1 gallon. 



Filter. 



" A cheaper solution can be made by taking — 



White arsenic 1 pound. 



Sal soda 4 ounces. 



Water 1 gallon. 



Boil till a solution is made. Take one quart to forty gallons of 

 water. These solutions have been found by the Department of Agri- 

 culture to be very useful in destroying the scale-bug and the red spider, 

 so harmful to plants. 



" The following method is employed by furriers in the treatment 

 of fur skins for the purpose of rendering them pliable : The skin is 

 steeped and scoured in a bath of alum, bran and salt, in order to 

 remove greasiness; then in a bath of soap and soda, to remove the oil 

 from the fur. When thoroughly Avashed and dried it is found that the 

 pelt has become tawed or kid leather. 



"To soften and cleanse buck-skin or chamois leather, rub plenty of 

 castile soap into the skin and soak for two hours in a weak solution 

 of sal soda in warm water and rub well until quite clean. i\fterwards 

 rinse in a weak solution of sal soda and soap in water; after rinsing, 

 wring it dry in a coarse towel, and when fully dry beat it until soft 

 and smooth. 



"For domestic purposes the following preveniives from moth rav- 

 ages are suggested . Dissolve in 200 parts of alcohol two parts of 



