118 PRACTICAL TAXIDERMY. 



and finish it by rubbing freely with veneer sawdust. It 

 is then ready for use. In manufacturing, the skins should 

 be cut to the best advantage, lined with any stiff material 

 by sewing, and shaped by being steamed and placed in 

 molds, or wound down over forms until dry. A loon- 

 skin makes a pretty ornamental rug, and can be neatly 

 trimmed with silk or flannel. A great variety of house- 

 hold ornaments may be gotten up from bird skins, not 

 only from those described, but from all of our native 

 birds. 



