482 HINTS ON TAXIDERMY. 



position, having previously filled the eye sockets and cavity 

 of the brain with cotton. In stufiing, commence by re- 

 storing the neck to its natural form with cut tow. A wire 

 (the body support), well pointed, should next be inserted at 

 the top of the head, upon the outer surface, and passed 

 down through the cut toAv within the neck, across the space 

 previously occupied by the body, and thence through the 

 tail until it protrudes at the tip of the same. The other 

 wires, or leg supports, should be inserted at the soles of each 

 foot, up within the skin of the legs, and secured firmly to 

 the main body support. The adjustment of the wires is 

 essentiall}' the same as recommended in the mounting of the 

 larger mammalia. The various muscles should now be imi- 

 tated with cut tow, and the upper and under plates joined. 

 This may be accomplished by bi-inging them together, and 

 boring four small holes with an awl, two at one end, the 

 one above and the other beneath the suture, and the same 

 at the other end, uniting them by means of fine annealed 

 wire. Cement may also be used with advantage in this oper- 

 ation. The carapace may be cleaned with a weak solution 

 of nitric acid and water, washing it freely ; afterwards it 

 may be oiled and rubbed with a piece of flannel. 



Of crocodiles ondlizards in general. — All of the smaller 

 species should be preserved iu spirits, of about 75 per cent 

 strength. The larger of this group are skinned in the same 

 manner as a quadruped ; especial care is, however, required 

 in skinning the tails, as they are very liable to break. But 

 little preservative is needed, the skins being of a dry nature. 

 They may also be stuffed in the same manner as a quadruped, 

 and little skill is required to get them in shape. 



Of serpents. — With the larger specimens, such as cannot 

 be readily preserved in alcohol, the following method should 

 be adopted in removing the skin. Open the mouth to its 

 utmost capacity and insert therein a stick to retain it in this 

 position. With the aid of the scalpel sever the body from 

 the head within the skin, leaving no attachments whatever. 



