162 PRACTICAL TAXIDERMY. 



which, cover with dried moss rubbed fine. When dry, 

 artificial leaves are wired on, and the tree is complete. 



PAPER TREES. 



These are made thick and stocky, and are mainly used 

 for large birds. The body of the tree is constructed by 

 twisting excelsior, sea-grass, or tow, around a large wire, 

 which, if glued, will facilitate the work. It is then wound 

 firmly in shape with string. Give the tree a coat of paste 

 containing considerable glue, and wrap it closely with 

 strips of soft paper, which, when on, should be well laid 

 with paste. As soon as dry, apply a coat of glue sizing, 

 and, when it hardens, cover again with glue, and dress 

 with grated cork. This coating having dried, color with 

 a mixture of lamp-black and paste ; after this becomes 

 set, shade it with paste and dry colors. A variety of 

 mosses may then be glued on. 



PAPIER-MACHE TREE. 



The body of this tree should be formed in the manner 

 described for paper trees, and the surface covered with the 

 paper composition and modelled in shape. The papier- 

 mache tree can be made to look very natural, and pecu- 

 liar knots or kinds of bark can be closely imitated. 

 Stumps may be made and bronzed, colored, or mossed. 

 In constructing all kinds of trees, wires should be left 

 projecting, of sufficient length to go through holes in 

 cases, and be clinched. Add artificial leaves. 



SNOW SCENES. 



Shades, with snow scenes, are the prettiest and most 

 natural work the taxidermist prepares. 



A winter scene should be made with overhanging rocks 

 to give a natural effect. The under side of the rock- 

 work should represent stone, and the upper parts, where 



