74 



PRACTICAL TAXIDERMY. 



the heavy antlers, once separated, are brought together. 

 When a skull is cleaved, a thin-bladed, sharp, regularly 

 and closely set saw should be employed, making as few 

 shavings as possible, to the end that the parts may come 

 together evenly, when the head is mounted. 



To fasten a divided elk head together, prop the antlers 

 in natural position, and bind with annealed wire. Twist 



ANTLERS PROPERLY MOUNTED. 



one piece tightly round the back of the skull, a second, 

 around it and through the apertures back of the eye-holes, 

 and a third piece around the nose, just forward of the 

 grinders ; the head is then fastened temporarily. Drill 

 horizontally through the skull with a 3 / 8 -inch bit, start- 

 ing about 3 inches below the burr of the antler. Fasten 

 with a snugly-fitting bolt, having a square head, and v- 

 washer under the nut. Put a smaller bolt in the same 



