10 OF STUFFING QUADRUPEDS. 



forehead, as represented in the Cat, plate II. fig. 2. After 

 which, the completion of the stuffing is proceeded with. 



We think this mode unnecessary for the smaller animals, 

 and that it should only be adopted for quadrupeds the size of 

 Deer, &c. These wires are besides much more difficult to insert 

 by this than by the other method. 



All the wires being* adjusted, the operation of stuffing is 

 next proceeded with. The skin of the Cat is now extended on 

 a table ; and the end of the nose seized with the left hand, 

 and pushed again into the skin, till it reaches the neck, when 

 we receive the bones of the head into the right hand. The 

 skull is now well rubbed over with the arsenical soap, and all 

 the cavities which the muscles before occupied are filled with 

 chopped tow, flax, or cotton, well mixed with preserving 

 powder. The long piece of wire is now passed into the middle 

 of the skull, and after it is well rubbed over with the preserv- 

 ative, it is returned into the skin. The inner surface of the 

 neck-skin is now anointed, and stuffed with chopped flax, 

 taking care not to distend it too much. Nothing like pressure 

 should be applied, as the fresh skin is susceptible of much ex- 

 pansion. 



Observe that it is always the inner surface which is anointed 

 with the arsenical soap. 



Take care that the first ring of the wire, which passes into 

 the head, is in the direction of the shoulders, and the second 

 corresponding with the pelvis, or somewhat towards the 

 posterior part. One of the fore-leg wires is then inserted 

 along the back of the bone ; and the point passed out under the 

 highest ball of the paw. When this is accomplished, the 

 bones of the leg are drawn up within the skin of the body, 

 and the wire fastened to the bones of the arm and fore-arm 

 with strong thread or small twine. Brass wire, used for 

 piano-forte strings, makes it more secure, and is not liable 

 to rot. These are well anointed, and flax or tow slivers 

 wrapped round them, so as to supply the place of the muscles 

 which have been removed. The common stuffing employed 

 by the French taxidermists, at the Jardin des Plantes, is 

 chopped flax ; but it must be quite evident that for such parts 

 as the legs of animals or birds, that flax or tow slivers are far 

 preferable ; and can be wound on with more nicety. Whereas, 



