MODELLING, CASTING, AND CARVING. 169 



Hot wax works well in molds of metal, plaster, and 

 wood. It can be shaded by mixing colors with it when 

 warm, or working them in on the surface. Casting of 

 all kinds should not be hurried. Molds should be thor- 

 oughly dried before being used, and casts must be " set " 

 hard when removed. 



Carving can often be done to advantage by the taxi- 

 dermist, though it is generally better and cheaper for him 

 to employ skilled workmen. Many ornamental designs 

 can be bought cheap, and glued or nailed on shields and 

 cases. It is well, however, to have a set of carver's tools 

 for jobbing work, in making wooden skulls, tongues, 

 teeth, etc. Carving tools should be purchased, though' 

 many convenient instruments for modelling and general 

 work, are easily made by one's self. I have constructed 

 at least one-third of my own tools, and find them better 

 adapted to my purpose, than any I could purchase. 



