FISH, AN^D HOW TO MOUKT THEM. 131 



Place the fish on the side, and make a longitudinal cut 

 with a sharp pair of scissors in the middle of the ^de, 

 large enough to admit of removing the body in two pieces. 

 Cut the flesh carefully from the skin around the incision, 

 and sever the body through the middle. Raise the tail 

 portion,-^ and skin around it to the end of the spine, 

 severing it from the tail with a pair of crooked scissors. 

 Skin around the remaining part of the body, severing it 

 close to the head. Remove the gills carefully with sharp 

 scissors, also the eyes, by slipping a small spoon under 

 them, and making a circular motion. Cut and scrape the 

 skin clear of flesh, and dust it thoroughly with dry arsenic. 

 Remove all objectionable remnants, and clean the outer 

 side of the skin with a wet cloth or sponge. 



Mix clear sand and fine sawdust in about equal portions, 

 and wet until it crumbles freely. Crowd the skin with 

 it, laying the scales down smoothly, and preserving the 

 anatomy of the body. When the fish is stuffed and 

 modelled in shape, sew up the incision and set the eyes in 

 cement or putty. Place the fish on a board, with the 

 seam underneath, and bolster it in position with jDotter's 

 clay. Pin the fins and tail in natural position with card- 

 board, and set away to dry. The process of drying is very 

 slow, and the specimen should not be handled until 

 thoroughly dried and stiffened. 



When ready, sever the fastenings from the tail and fins, 

 cut the stitches, and remove the stuffing. Place a small 

 strip of wood in the middle of the fish with wires, project- 

 ing through the skin, to fasten it in position. If the speci- 

 men is to be suspended, two wires should come up through 

 the back. If put in a case the wires should pass through 

 the side ; they are then concealed by the body when the 

 specimen is fastened in natural position. 



Re-stuff the skin with chopped tow or fine excelsior, 

 packing it closely about the wood to hold it in position. 

 Sew up the incision and glue a piece of transparent paper 



