MODELLING, CASTING, AND CARVING. 167 



Clay is useful when modelling .under the skin, or for 

 making rough patterns to cast from. It is mixed with 

 pure water for heavy work ; a little glue is added for 

 light modelling. It works clean and smoothly, though 

 it quickly dries, and requires to be frequently moistened 

 in working. It retains but little strength without glue, is 

 liable to shrink and crack, and has not the firmness of 

 plaster. 



The composition described is firm, does not shrink, and 

 is very strong when dry. It takes paint well and does not 

 peel like wood-work. When used it should be steamed. 

 It is very pliable and pieces may be glued in any position. 

 It dries slowly, though, when cold, a slight pressure will 

 not cause indentation. 



The nature of putty is well known. It is used for fine 

 work, such as modelling eyelids to the eyes, filling shot- 

 holes in the legs and beaks of birds, setting small eyes, 

 filling checks in wood-work, etc. That manufactured for 

 glaziers does not contain sufficient white lead for the tax- 

 idermist's use. Pure lead, ground in oil, should be 

 thickened with whiting until it has the pro]:>er consis- 

 tency. It can be made the required shade by mixing in 

 colors, or it may be painted when dry. If painted when 

 wet, the smooth surface will not take the color, and the 

 moist putty absorbs the oil of the paint, causing the body 

 of it to peel. 



Wax is the best material for fine work, and is almost 

 indispensable for some kinds of modelling. It can be 

 used where other materials would shrink and disfigure the 

 work. It is mostly employed for the combs and wattles 

 of fowls, and for finishing the open mouths of mammals 

 and large birds. It can be modelled with edged tools or 

 seared into form. 



Casting requires but little skill when molds are to be 

 had, but if they are to be made, the work at once be- 

 comes difficult, and angles must bo closely studied. The 



