PAPERING A^D TIKTING CASES. 



165 



the snow would naturally fall, should be covered with 

 white cotton, and dressed with artificial snow and frosting, 

 thrown on wet plaster. 



The whole rock-work is covered with white cotton- 

 wadding, the under parts being painted to imitate any 

 rock-work described. Dark birds should be used, such as 

 California quail, spruce grouse, and plumed partridges, 

 though any species of grouse look well. The rock- 

 work should be made to correspond with the positions of 

 the birds, so that a group will not appear crowded. The 

 wire in the birds' legs should be left long and pointed, 

 that they may be pushed deep into the rocks, and hold the 

 birds securely in position. The whole should then be 

 trimmed with dried grasses and weeds ; these are dipped 

 in very thin plaster, and covered with burnt alum and 

 frosting. They should not be used until dry, and the 

 beauty of the shade depends much on the manner in 

 which the grasses are arranged. 



With a brad-awl, holes can be made in the rocks and at 

 their base, in which to securely plant the grasses. All 

 irregular pieces which may interfere with the birds should 

 be cut off, and the whole covered with a well-cleaned shade 

 when dry. A piece of scarlet chenille placed around the 

 bottom of the shade makes it complete. 



