64 



Guide to Taxidermy 



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fine wire as shown in sketch opposite, spread it 

 open in the middle to allow it to slip on the tail; 

 about midway on the tail pinch it together with the 

 fingers and it will keep the feathers just where you 

 want them during the process of drying. 



Art in Mounting a Bird 



When mounting a specimen, up to the point of 

 bending it into position, your work is largely or 

 wholly mechanical; but from this point until the 

 bird is completed and ready for exhibition your 

 artistic sense will be called upon. No one will get 

 a perfect bird upon his first attempt unless he be a 

 natural-born taxidermist or artist, and such are very 

 few and far between. But anyone, with continued 

 practice can mount a satisfactory specimen. In this 

 work as well as in any other vocation, "practice 

 makes perfect" so do not be discouraged if your 

 first attempt does not meet your expectations; you 

 have the principle, all you need is the practice. 



Drying 



The wires and windings are all left on your bird 

 until it is thoroughly dry, which, if placed in a 

 room of ordinary temperature, should take four or 

 five days. When a bird is dry can be judged by 

 the absolute rigidity of the toes and the firmness of 



