104 SPORTSMAN'S HAND BOOK. 



dry arsenic which leaves its effects by being inhaled while 

 dusting it on skins. This however, would not be the case 

 with a person who would only occasionally find use for it. 

 Furthermore, the common dry, powdered arsenic that is 

 usually sold at the apothecary shops is of such an inferior 

 quality rendered so by adulteration that its effects as a 

 preservative are of little consequence, and dry arsenic, no 

 matter how pure, has not the penetrating powers as some- 

 thing of a similar nature in a liquid form. I therefore 

 introduce a new Arsenical Solution which is a most powerful 

 and effectual preservative, although it is not any more con- 

 venient than arsenical soap. I give it here for those who may 

 desire to use it. It can be applied to the skin of birds and 

 mammals in various ways with the most gratifying results, 

 and while the principal ingredient of this solution is pure 

 crystallized arsenic it is not injurious to the health, as is the 

 dry pulverized arsenic. It is made as follows: Take one 

 pound of crystallized arsenic and one-half pound of bicar- 

 bonate of soda, add to this five pints of water; boil the 

 whole down to three pints over a slow fire stirring frequently 

 to prevent the arsenic and soda from settling to the bottom. 

 It is a good idea to first break the large pieces of arsenic in 

 order that they may quickly dissolve. When cold it is 

 ready for u$e. By mixing a quantity of Spanish whiting 

 with a small amount of the liquid until it forms a very thin 

 paste, it is ready to be applied to skins by the use of a brush. 



Now, as we have the preservative before us, the next 

 procedure is to skin the bird. In removing the skin from 

 a bird, the body, if fat or bloody, should be dusted with 

 cornmeal, as this prevents the plumage from becoming soiled. 

 The knife used should be sharp, especially toward the point, 

 and a pair of scissors are very convenient, although not 

 altogether essential. 



Fill the mouth and nostrils with cotton in order to 



