OF STUFFING QUADRUPEDS, 13 
_ an imitation of the living subject as possible ; for one well 
mounted specimen is worth fifty indifferently executed. 
A board is now prepared, on which to place the Cat. But 
before fixing it permanently, the animal should be set in the 
| attitude in which it is intended to be preserved, and the 
operator having satisfied himself, then pierces four holes for 
the admission of the feet wires, which must be drawn through 
_ with a pair of pincers till the paws rest firmly on the board. 
Small grooves are then made for the reception of the pieces of 
wires which have been drawn through, so that they may be 
folded back and pressed down in them, and not be beyond the 
level of the back of the board; wire nails are now driven 
half in, and their heads bent down on the wires to prevent 
them from getting loose, or becoming moveable. 
The stuffer next directs his attention to the position and 
final stuffing of the head and neck. The muscles of the face 
must be imitated as correctly as possible, by stuffing in cotton at 
the opening of the eyes, as also at the mouth, ears, and | 
nostrils. To aid in this also, the inner materials may be | 
drawn forward by the assistance of instruments, such as are 
represented at plate IV. figs. 12 and 13, and also small pieces 
of wood formed like small knitting meshes. 
Our next care is the insertion of the eyes, which must be | 
done while the eyelids are yet fresh. Some dexterity and skill 
are required in this operation ; and on it will depend most of 
the beauty and character of the head. The seats of the 
_ eyes are supplied with a little cement, the eyes put in their 
place, and the eyelids properly drawn over the eyeballs; but 
if rage or fear are to be expressed, a considerable portion of 
the eyeballs must be exposed. The lips are afterwards disposed 
in their natural state, and fastened with pins. If the mouth is | 
intended to be open, it will be necessary to support the lips 
with cotton, which can be removed when they are dry. Two 
small balls of cotton, firmly pressed together, and well tinctured 
with the arsenical soap, must be thrust into the nostrils, so as 
to completely plug them up, to prevent the air from penetrating 
as also the intrusion of moths; and besides it has the effect of 
preserving the natural shape of the nose after it has dried, 
The same precaution should be adopted with the ears, which, 
in the Cat, require but little attention in setting. 
