88 TAXIDERMY. 



pentine on every part of the head and fins ; the 

 latter are extended with an iron wire to keep them 

 in that position. 



Batistes, $c. 



The spatulariae have a very prominent muzzle j 

 the body compressed, the belly and back sharp. 

 They are generally found in the Indian seas. 



We must open them by the belly, take away all 

 the flesh by this opening, and stuff them as usual, 

 taking great care to preserve the fins. 



The ostracion is prepared in the same waj\ The 

 body of this fish is "enveloped by one scale of a 

 single piece, and often very rude, the tail only is 

 free and flexible. It is not necessary to make a 

 very large opening in the belly. We must keep the 

 piece we take out in making the opening, to replace 

 it when the fish is mounted ; we make an incision 

 in the tail to take away all its flesh, and we stuff 

 this part with chopped flax. 



The diodons, or spiny globe-fish, do not want 

 any other preparations than those mentioned above ; 

 they are armed with numerous long spines, which 

 we must preserve; we apply the spirits of turpen- 

 tine to the exterior. These fish ought to be packed 

 with the greatest care, on account of their spines. . 



The rough skin of the fish vulgarly called sea- 

 toads, lophius, may be mounted with much ad- 

 vantage, for the colours alter but little. It is not 



