188 



Guide to Taxidermy 



ly or if it gets in cuts or scratches^ so it must al- 

 ways be handled with due caution and never left 

 where anyone else can get hold of it; it should al- 

 ways be plainly marked Poison. Its fumes are 

 harmless and we know of no case of poisoning ex- 

 cept through gross negligence of ordinary precau- 

 tions. It can be rubbed on the inside of a bird or 

 animal skin in its dry form, but we advise its use in 

 the form of Arsenical Soap. You can buy this al- 

 ready prepared of your dealer in taxidermists' sup- 

 plies or you can make it as follows: Slice two 

 pound bars of white soap into two quarts of Avater 

 and boil until the soap is melted. Add two pounds 

 of powdered arsenic and four ounces of camphor, 

 stirring the mass to prevent its burning. Add water 

 to make it the consistency of cream, then allow it 

 to cool, stirring it occasionally to prevent the ar- 

 senic from settling. Apply it with an ordinary, 

 round stiff-bristled paint brush to any skin that 

 you wish to poison. An agate j^ail is the best in 

 which to make the soap ; do not use any of the fam- 

 ily cooking utensils. Keep it in cans, plainly label- 

 led. Hard Soap is often used if you are to make an 

 extended trip. It is made just as before but is not 

 thinned, so when it cools it will be about the con- 

 sistency of butter. This should be kept in tin 

 boxes. It can be used by wetting the brush and 

 working the soap into a lather. 



