6 OF SKINNING QUADRUPEDS. 
without the means of conveying skins of quadrupeds or birds, 
we would say a word or two. When he has killed and examined 
an animal or bird, which appears new to him, after having 
noted down all its characters, he ought to attempt a draw- 
ing of the object, as the next best substitute for the skin. 
The indefatigable Wilson, whose unbounded zeal led him 
to explore the mighty wilds of America, in search of informa- 
tion regarding the feathered tribes, but who, without either 
money or patronage, could not transport their skins across 
these nearly boundless wildernesses, was compelled to adopt 
these, the only means he had, and to delineate their forms and 
features, in their native colours, as faithfully as he could, as 
records at least of their existence. 
Audubon adopted this method. He pinned the bird to a | 
tree in some natural position, held out by wires, &c., then 
made a drawing while the animal was yet warm. By this 
means he could imitate those beautiful tints which are alone to 
be found in living nature; and the forms being still those of 
the real subject, were likely to surpass those of stuffed speci- — 
mens. 
CUAL are 
OF SKINNING, PREPARING, AND MOUNTING THE 
MAMMALIA, OR QUADRUPEDS. 
OF SKINNING. 
Wuen a quadruped is killed, and its skin intended for stuffing, 
the preparatory steps are to lay the animal on its back, and 
plug up its nostrils, mouth, and any wounds it may have re- 
ceived, with cotton or tow, to prevent the blood from disfig- 
uring the skin. A longitudinal incision is then made in the 
lower part of the belly, in front of the pubis, and extended 
from thence to the stomach, or higher if necessary, keeping in 
as straight a line as possible, and taking care not to penetrate 
so deep as to cut into the abdominal muscles. In some in- 
