OF SKINNING FISH IN GENERAL. 63 



with the point of a needle, and the sand allowed to escape, 

 leaving the body of its natural form. 



These animals are liable to change of colour from drying, 

 and should, therefore, be painted with the varnish to their 

 natural hues. There is less difficulty with Toads in this re- 

 spect, as they are usually of a brown colour, arid not liable to 

 much change. 



They may be perfectly preserved in spirits. 



CLASS IV. FISHES. 



This class of animals, in their native element, have many 

 attractions : some for the singularity of their forms, and others 

 for the resplendent and beautifully contrasted arrangement of 

 their colours ; while many exhibit iridescent tints which vie 

 with the splendour of the Peacock, or Humming-bird, reflect- 

 ing vivid, golden, metallic hues of all shades. But these are 

 too evanescent for the powers of the Taxidermist; for no 

 sooner are they removed from the water, than their transient 

 and fading beauty vanishes for ever. 



The best method of securing the scales and colours of Fish, 

 is, as soon as they are caught, to apply cambric or tissue pa- 

 per to them, which will soon dry and adhere firmly ; the body 

 may be then taken out and the skin dried. When the skin is 

 to be stuffed, roll it in a moist cloth, which will not only ren- 

 der it pliable, but also soften the tissue paper, so as it can be 

 removed, when the colours will be found to be much brighter 

 than by any other method with which we are yet acquainted. 



LAMPREYS, EELS, AND OTHER FISH OF SIMILAR FORM. 



These species may be skinned in the same manner as Frogs 

 and Toads, by drawing the body through the mouth. 



OF SKINNING FISH IN GENERAL. 



The fish should be procured as fresh as possible, more par- 

 ticularly if it is one of those on which the scales are loosely at- 

 tached. Lay it on one side and cut out the gills with a pair 



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