CAKE OF SPECIMENS, CHESTS, ETC. 153 



with partitions, or, better still, with sets of movable 

 paste-board boxes, partially filled with grated cork or col- 

 ored sawdust. Cabinets for insects should have the 

 drawer bottoms lined with cork, covered with paper 

 tinted in effective colors. 



Mounted specimens are usually and most tastefully 

 mounted in shallow cases with glass fronts. Mammals, 

 birds, and reptiles, should be mounted on plain white 

 stands, set on shelving having skeleton metal brackets. 

 Birds should be mounted on J and flat stands, except 

 long-legged perchers, which may be placed on stands 

 with inclined tops ; in this manner, they appear to bet- 

 ter advantage, and can be adjusted in natural and easy 

 positions. 



Crustaceans and insects are best arranged on the backs 

 of shallow hanging cases, or on flat cases set on stands or 

 tables. Eggs and shells look best on the bottoms of flat 

 cases. 



Cases for houses may be sealed with strips of pasted 

 paper over the edges of the glass concealed under the 

 molding. Large cases for museums and colleges should 

 have closely-fitting doors, hung on heavy hinges. 



Stands may be made in various forms. Sharp outlines 

 should be avoided as much as possible, and the propor- 

 tions of specimens carefully considered. Turned stands 

 can be made with pretty outlines for perching birds ; they 

 are in great favor among collectors. Flat stands, for 

 small birds, are made oval or square, the latter being 

 slightly raised with cleats to facilitate bending and fast- 

 ening of the leg-wires. In constructing all stands, see to 

 it that they possess sufficient bottom and weight to firmly 

 bear the specimen, otherwise the latter may, with its 

 weight, overturn its support. 



