848 



How to Mount a Bird. 



perch ; and be sure that the base to this is solid, and that the cross- 

 bar is securely nailed on, so that you may twist your bird about 

 without pulling your perch to pieces or tipping it over. If on stand- 

 ing the bird upright you find that the back is not round enough, or 

 the breast too flat, or that you have omitted to put any filling in the 



THE BELL BIRD, OR CAMPANERO. 



sides, — and these mistakes frequently occur, — now is the time to 

 remedy the deficiency. Make an incision, lengthwise of the body, 

 under the wing, and with your little pushers introduce enough cut 

 tow to fill the vacancy. At first the pushers will go awry and the 

 tow roll into balls or work into the wrong place ; but draw liberally 

 on your stock of patience, and with a little practice all will go well. It 

 is usually unnecessary to sew up the cut under the wing, as it is quite 

 hidden ; but if the bird be a good-sized one, a stitch or two may not 

 be amiss. Bearing in mind the fact that a bird's neck is not straight, 

 but a double curve like the letter S, you imitate this shape as follows: 

 Bend the head and neck forward, and grasp the bird by the back with 

 your left hand, the tip of the forefinger resting against the base of the 

 neck. With the right hand press the head and upper neck back- 



