STUFFING. 65 



In SHARKS and LARGE FISHES, an incision is made below 

 the head, and extended to the fin of the tail ; the skin is then 

 separated on each side with a scalpel, cutting back as far as 

 possible, so that the vertebra may be cut close to the head. 

 The tail is then skinned. The head is pushed inwards, and 

 the skin passed over it above, and all the cartilage cut carefully 

 away. Care must be taken not to enlarge the branchial 

 openings too much, which would render it necessary to sew 

 them up again, and it is not easy to hide a seam in a fish's skin. 



DIADON, TETRADON, and BALISTES, and their congeners, 

 are opened by the belly. The ostracion is enveloped in a 

 skin, which consists of a single piece, the tail of which only is 

 free and flexible. The opening in the belly must not be large ; 

 the tail must be opened, the flesh cut away, and stuffed with 

 cotton. 



STUFFING. 



The skins being properly anointed, are filled with tow or 

 cotton. This must be so managed that there will be no pro- 

 minences on the outside of the skin, which, in fishes, is smooth 

 and even for the most part. When properly filled, they must 

 be sewed up, and set aside to dry in the air, but not exposed to 

 the rays of the sun. In a few days, the papers with which the 

 fins were extended are taken off, by damping them with a 

 sponge. The glass eyes are now introduced, after filling the 

 orbits with cotton and a little cement to secure them in their 

 places. The skins may then be varnished, and laid aside to 

 dry. Mr Bullock, of the London Museum, acquired consider- 

 able skill in setting up fish. He always used turpentine varnish. 

 Some good specimens of his mounting are to be seen in the 

 Edinburgh College Museum. They are highly creditable 

 productions, and have as much the appearance of the living 

 subjects as any we have seen. 



SHARKS. In stuffing these large fishes, it is necessary to use 

 a stick for a centre support. This must also enter the head, 

 through the opening of the throat. If it is intended that the 

 specimen shall be suspended from the ceiling, wire-hooks must 

 be fastened into the wood. From these must be placed upright 

 wires, so that they penetrate the skin, and pass through the 

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