198 HOME DECORATION. 



CHAPTER VI. 



FANS AND FIRE-SCREENS. 



These are among the many useful and ornamental ar- 

 ticles that can be made from bird-skins. They are 

 formed by fastening the back edges of two wings to- 

 gether, the butts terminating in an ornamented handle. 

 Wings with short primaries or first quills are used for 

 fans, as they make up in the most conyenient shape. 

 Wings with long primaries, such as those of gulls, pig- 

 eons, hawks, owls, herons, etc., make the best fire- 

 screens. 



In preparing the wings, they should be cut off close to 

 the body, and partially skinned, as in preparing a skin 

 for mounting. A strong, pointed wire is run up the un- 

 der side of each wing, between the skin and bones, and 

 twisted firmly in position. The bone of the wing is 

 bound tightly to the wire, and wound with jute. Both 

 wings are then pinned in position on a board, with backs 

 to touch ; the longest feathers will have to be pinned 

 separately in position, and the whole plumage wound 

 down closely with fine thread, or pinned down with cards 

 or stiff paper. When well dried and stiffened, the wires 

 are fastened m a handle, and the back of the wings drawn 

 tightly together by a strong thread, which is drawn 

 through them with a needle, and tied. The joint be- 

 tween the wings is covered on the front side by a head, 

 mounted medallion-like, and the back may be covered by 

 the spread-tail of a bird. Rosettes of feathers and pieces 

 of bird-skins are also often used. Whole mounted birds, 

 with spread wings, in a flat position, make attractive 

 ornaments. Any fancy additions can be fastened securely 

 with small wire, or by sewing. 



Birds with pretty outlines and rich colors can be wired 



