Guide to Taxidermy 209 



Shellac 



Is used for painting over stands after they have 

 been sanded. It fixes the sand more firmly in place 

 so it will never fall off. It also brings out the color 

 of paint more strongly and adds gloss if wanted. 



Stuffing Forceps 



These forceps have very long jaws and scissor 

 handles. They are useful for putting cotton in the 

 necks of long-necked species. One twelve inches 

 long is the most useful. Your supply dealer keeps 

 them. 



Tanning Liquors 



To make^ use: Water, 1 gallon; salt, 2 pounds; 

 alum, 1-2 pound; sulphuric acid, 1 ounce. Mix 

 these thoroughly, adding the acid the last. This 

 acid is poison, and burns clothes as well as flesh so 

 be careful in using it. Keep the liquor in closely 

 stoppered bottles. Its use is explained in Chap- 

 ter 5. 



Tow 



Is finer than excelsior and is better for making 

 bodies of small birds and for the necks of large 

 ones. Oakum, on account of its tar odor, which is 

 offensive to insects, is better than the common tow, 



