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Guide to Taxidermy 



Brain Spoon 



This is a metal rod with the end forged into a 

 small scoop. It is used for removing brains from 

 the heads of birds or animals. A great many taxi- 

 dermists use this instrument but we have always 

 failed to see any superiority in it over the blade of 

 the scalpel or points of the scissors, and we certain- 

 ly would not advise having any additional tools un- 

 less there is some distinct advantage to be gained 

 therefrom. Your supply dealer will have them if 

 you wish to try one. 



Chain and Hooks 



This is an article that most books advise and that 

 some taxidermists use. It is composed of three 

 stout hooks (not barbed) each attached by a chain 

 to a ring. They are used to suspend the bodies of 

 partly skinned specimens for the purpose of assist- 

 ing in the operation. 



A block and tackle with a good stout hook is 

 useful when skinning large animals that are too 

 heavy to handle, but there are no birds in this 

 country but what we should prefer to skin without 

 the aid of a chain and hooks. 



When using this contrivance on birds, one hook 

 is to go through the small of the back after you 

 have skinned that far; then when vou reach the 



