PREPARING AND MOUNTING SKELETONS. 89 



a hot summer's sun will bleach sufficiently, and frost will 

 assist in winter. 



Small skeletons may be cleaned by placing them in 

 water, and removing the decomposed flesh with a stiff 

 brush. The best way to prepare them, however, is with 

 the help of marine animals, ants, and dermestes, as de- 

 scribed above. 



Large skeletons are generally mounted on a galvanized 

 iron frame, articulated with brass wires. 'No general 

 rule can be given which will apply to mounting all skele- 

 tons, as they vary greatly in size and form. 



To mount a large skeleton of a ruminant, string the 

 vertebrae on a metal rod running into the occipital orifice 

 through the top of the skull. Fasten with a nut, and 

 support the whole by two upright 

 rods connecting with the artificial 

 spinal cord between the forelegs 

 and hindlegs. The scapulars, leg, 

 and other bones, must be attached 

 in their proper positions, by drill- 

 ing small holes through the bones, 

 and connecting them in various 

 FASTENING ways. Tlic taxidermist must use fastening 

 LEG BONES, j^'g ^^.^^ judgmcut iu drilling and s^^^^^«^^'^^- 

 fastening, placing the wires where they will hold best 

 and be the least observed. 



A bow-drill is most useful in making holes, and the 

 bits should be sharp, and taper inwards, back from the 

 cutting edges, so that when used they will cut free and 

 easy. 



To securely fasten small bones, drill and draw them 

 into position by a piece of polished annealed wire through 

 the holes, turning each end with round-nosed pliers, in 

 two or more rings, until the wire is sufficiently taken up. 

 Wires proportionate to the size of the bones must be used. 

 Pliers of various size to turn them are also necessary. 



