Guide to Taxidermy 37 



CHAP. 2.-Mountin^ Birds 



^Ve will suppose that you have your specimen be- 

 fore you, and for practice we recommend that you 

 use Blue Jays, English Sparrows or Crows, which- 

 ever you can most conveniently obtain. 



Tools or Material Necessary 



You require very few instruments while learning 

 the art of taxidermy; if, after becoming proficient 

 you wish to continue in the business professionally, 

 you can secure a more expensive outfit. At the 

 start you need: 



1. A scalpel or very sharp knife. This is a 

 knife such as surgeons use in operations; you 

 can procure one from any dealer in taxidermist's 

 supplies. 



2. A pair of strong, sharp-pointed scissors; 

 surgical ones are the best, although any will 

 answer. For large birds and animals you will also 

 need a pair of bone shears, but you can as well do 

 without these until you become more acquainted 

 with the work. 



