BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [6] 



SPECIAL POINTS. 



EnibraciTig the upper part of the windpipe and connecting it with the 



base of the skull is a series 

 of bones known as the hyoid 

 apparatus. This shouhl be 

 carefully saved. 



There are usually small 

 boiies,termed sesamoids, em- 

 bedded in the tendons,where 

 they play over the under 

 sides of the toes, and on this 

 account the tendons should 

 never be cut off close to the 

 bone. 



There are often one or 

 two small bones on the back 

 lower portion of the thigh 

 bone; these should be left 

 in place. 



In preparing the skeletons of rabbits particular attention should be 

 given to the shoulder blade, as this has a slender projection at the lower 

 end, which extends some distance backward. 



The male organ of a great many quadrupeds, as the raccoon, is pro- 

 vided with a bone. As it is difficult to sny when this may or may not 

 be present, it should always be looked for, and when found left attached 

 to the hip bones. 



CETACEANS: PORPOISES, BLACKFISH, ETC. 



Porpoise skeletons are very easily prepared, but one or two points, 

 such as the slender cheek bones and the pelvic bones or rudimentary 

 hind limbs, require special care. 



Fig. 2.— Tongue bones 

 or hyoifl of a Dog. 



Pig. 3.— Right sliouldor Ijlado 

 of a Rabbit, showing tliu back- 

 wardly projecting process. 



Fig. 4.— Skeleton of a Porpoise, the dotted lines showing where the cuts shouUl be made iu dividino 

 the skeleton. 



