42 ^TAXIDERMY* 



surements, in the work-shop, where the model was 

 to be constructed in its natural size. This done 

 we proceeded to the skinning of the elephant, which 

 we were only able to place upon its back by means 

 of four-corded pullies, fastened to the platform* 

 In this position we made an incision in the form of 

 a double cross; the middle line went from the 

 mouth to the anus, the two others were directed 

 from each left foot to the opposite right foot ; the 

 tail and trunk were opened underneath longitudi- 

 nally. We scooped out the soles of the feet within 

 an inch of their edge, that the nails might remain 

 in the skin ; to effect this we were obliged to em- 

 ploy the chissel and mallet. This operation was 

 very difficult. 



After four days' labour of several persons, we se- 

 parated the skin from the body, it then weighed 

 576 pounds ; we extended it on the ground to take 

 away the cutaneous muscles which adhered to its 

 interior, particularly to the head. In this state the 

 skin was placed in a large tub ; we spread a con- 

 siderable quantity of pounded alum in all its folds ; 

 we then boiled some water with such quantities of 

 alum that some pieces still remained at the bottom 

 of the boiler, that is, we more than saturated the 

 water; this water was poured upon the skin, and 

 we continued to do so, until the skin was covered 

 with it six inches deep. 



To render the dimensions of the model or shape 





