104 THE SHIKARI 



To make these boxes really serviceable they should 

 be lined with thin tin or zinc (which will not greatly 

 add to the weight), having a turned-over flange at 

 the top. A sufficient number of ready-cut flat tops 

 must be taken along, and when these are soldered 

 down on the flange a perfectly water-tight and 

 insect-proof case will be the result, at but a 

 trifling extra cost and with a minimum of trouble. 



Skinning a Bird. — When out shooting birds for 

 specimens, some paper and a little cotton-wool should 

 be carried. When shot the mouth should be plugged 

 with the cotton-wool to prevent any leakage and the 

 specimen then wrapped tightly in paper and placed in 

 the breast-pocket, or better still in a haversack that 

 should be carried for the purpose. 



Birds shot in a moderately cold climate can be left 

 till next day, but anywhere in the tropics must be 

 skinned the same day as killed, as often specimens shot 

 in the early morning will be found quite decomposed 

 by the evening. 



The man who has become practised will find many 

 opportunities for preserving his catch ; an hour snatched 

 during the midday rest, the halt for breakfast if the trek 

 has started early, will give the quick skinner a chance. 



Now to the skinning. Lay out a piece of paper with 

 your bird on it and your tools and preservative handy. 

 Remove the plug of wool from the mouth and replace 

 it by another fresh one ; also, if necessary, stop up the 

 nostrils. Part the feathers down the belly and with the 



