MOUNTING AKIMALS. 85 



the skulls. Where the leg-bones would naturally join 

 the spinal column, two rings are twisted in the neck- 

 wire, through which the leg- wires are run, and twisted 

 firmly around the neck-wire, meeting or overlapping be- 

 tween the rings. When the skull is attached to the skin, 

 as is usually the case in small animals, it is roughly 

 modelled with potter's clay before the skin is turned over 

 it. Owing to the connection of the skin and skull, the 

 head is easily modelled, and the eyes are readily set. The 

 body is bent in position, and filled out, prior to being 

 mounted on a stand. 



An experienced taxidermist can do fine mounting by 

 casting an animal in parts, of plaster, and putting a flat 

 skin over the cast. In perfecting the anatomy of large 

 animals, it is often necessary to sew through tlie legs, 

 and to run bent wires into the body at different points. 

 No rules can be given for this kind of work. The 

 learner must rely uj)on his own judgment in bringing 

 out muscles, and perfecting the general form. Animals 

 mouths may be ^^done" open in wax, and shaded in dry 

 colors, rubbed in, and the w^hole varnished. 



Skms of all animals should be soft and pliable before 

 mounted. Dry skins should be well immersed in pickle, 

 and be thoroughly cleaned. During cold weather, well- 

 cured skins may be placed in pure cold water a day or 

 two to soften, as it softens them much quicker than 

 pickle will. All skins need to be well tanned in a brine 

 of alum, salt, and saltpetre, to set and clean the hair 

 before they are mounted. 



