TAXIDERMY. 



In it, and is much better performed when the skins 

 have arrived at their destination. It is sufficient, 

 for the skins, the feet, and head, to be well pre- 

 served. 



Although there are several salt-water fish which 

 are found almost 'universally, the greater number 

 belong to particular shores and gulphs. It will be 

 useful therefore to send those which w r e find in 

 countries not visited by naturalists, those even 

 which are sold in the markets. As to fresh-water 

 fish, the species differ, not only according to the 

 country, but even according to the rivers and lakes 

 they inhabit; it is therefore essential to send all 

 which can be procured. We pnt them into spirits, 

 or when they are too large, send the skin only, 

 merely dried, taking care to preserve the head and 

 fins. 



It is the same with reptiles. In skinning ser- 

 pents we must take care not to injure the scales; 

 and great caution must be used not to break the 

 tails of lizards. It is desirable to send the skele- 

 tons of fish and reptiles which are too large to be 

 put into spirits ; these skeletons need not be mounted. 



It is sufficient to take away the flesh rudely, and 

 to dry the bones together thoroughly, without se- 

 parating them. The whole skeleton should be 

 placed in a box with cotton or very fine dry sand. 

 If it be too long, it may be divided into two or three 

 parts. 



G 3 



