i 7 8 OUTDOOR LIFE IN ENGLAND 



of scientists set their faces strongly against mounted 

 specimens of birds, advocating merely the preser- 

 vation of the skins, which are kept in drawers or 

 cases, and labelled according to their genera. 

 This system, however, does not appear to fulfil 

 all requirements. It may suffice for purely scientific 

 purposes, but it does not convey an idea of the 

 shape, bearing, or general demeanour of the bird. 

 Judging from the terribly grotesque and unnatural 

 specimens so often encountered, it would appear 

 that, whereas there are any number of professional 

 taxidermists in England, but comparatively few 

 of them are really entitled to the name. They 

 are not naturalists, but bird-stuffers in the most 

 literal acceptation of the term. They profess their 

 ability to preserve and mount any specimen which 

 may be placed in their hands for the purpose. 

 Such prowess, however, is far too frequently pro- 

 fession, and no more. They cram the bird, beast, 

 or whatever it may be, as tightly as the skin will 

 bear, and then proceed to place it in position 

 according to their fancy, or from an ill-drawn 

 design in some execrably - illustrated work on 

 natural history. They themselves have, in all 

 probability, never seen the creature in a state 

 of nature, and, knowing nothing regarding its 

 habits, is it to be wondered at that the result is so 

 often a failure painful to witness ? Many a good 

 specimen is thus hopelessly ruined. Where ac- 

 cessories, such as dyed grasses, ferns, and lichens, 

 are made use of, they are often selected in the 



