Guide to Taxidermy 85 



MAKING A BIRD SKIN 



The object in making a bird skin is to keep the 

 specimen for all time. It has scientific value for 

 study purjjoses and can, if desired, be mounted at 

 any time. For a systematic and diagnostic study 

 of the plumage, skins are always used when procur- 

 able because they are easily handled without injury, 

 while a mounted specimen becomes utterly ruined 

 after much handling. 



Tools Necessary 



1. — Brush for cleaning feathers. This is a stiff 

 bristle brush resembling a large tooth brush. You 

 can procure one of a dealer or from most druggists. 



^2. — Needles and thread. Any medium sized 

 needle will do but a surgical one is best. You can 

 get these from dealers in supplies or druggists. 

 For thread we recommend a sjDOol of white silk and 

 one of white linen. 



3. — A plentiful supply of cotton and a box of 

 pl:ister-of-paris will complete the necessities for 

 makina; a bird into a skin. 



