103 



HOW TO SKIN BIRDS. 



For the following very instructive and interesting article 

 on skinning and preparing bird skins for mounted specimens, 

 I am indebted to Prof. Oliver Davie, a leading taxidermist of 

 Columbus, Ohio, also author of the "Naturalist's Manual" 

 and "Egg Check List of North American Birds" It will 

 undoubtedly prove very beneficial to many sportsmen who 

 desire to preserve specimens as trophies of their skill 

 and sport's: 



COLUMBUS, OHIO. 



'* Many a rare bird has come to the hands of the naturalist 

 that would otherwise have been lost and perhaps never 

 recorded, in a particular locality, were it not for" the sports- 

 man, and nearly every person who has handled a gun has, 

 in the course of his experience, taken specimens that for 

 their beauty or rarity, and also as trophies of a day's hunt, 

 would like to preserve them for future inspect4on by them- 

 selves and friends. 



To be able to skin and prepare a bird for mounting in a 

 proper manner is an accomplishment which few sportsmen 

 have acquired. It is, however, very simple, and with a little 

 patience and care can easily be done, and with this end in 

 view, I will make my directions as clear as possible, and tell 

 how to skin a bird. 



In the first place, we need something in the way of a 

 preservative to put on the skin. Common dry arsenic is the 

 article most generally used because it is the most convenient, 

 and when pure, and properly applied, it certainly is a good 

 thing. Arsenical soap is also used and is better in many 

 respects, but is not so convenient. 



It is a well known fact that arsenic in the form of a 

 powder is very injurious to the health. Many a taxidermist 

 has met with serious results after long and constant use of 



