[9] 



PREPAEITION OF EOUGH SKELETONS LUCAS. 



most fresh- water turtles it is necessary to saw tlirougli the bone, fol- 

 lowing the liue indicated in the accompanying 

 diagram. 



The interior of the body being exposed, it is 

 a comparatively easy matter to cut away the 

 flesh. 



Usually this can be done without disjointing 

 any of the legs, and it is better, especially in 

 small specimens, to leave them attached to the 

 body. Beware, however, of cutting into any 

 bones, as they are frequently soft in texture 

 and easily damaged. 



SNAKES. 



Fig. 10.— Shell of a Tiivlle 

 (Ohrysemys marc/inata) . A A, 

 where cuts should be made to re- 

 move the lower shell or plastron. 



Fig. 11.— Limb of a Python 

 (P. moluru>i), full size. 



Snakes require very little care in their prep- 

 aration after the skin has been removed, but in 

 the larger serpents, such as boas and pythons, 

 rudimentary hind legs are present and should 

 be carefully preserved. 



Externally the legs appear as two little claws 

 situated on either side of the vent; internally 

 they are slender bones, about an inch and a half in length, loosely at- 

 tached to the ribs. 



It is a comparatively easy matter to preserve both the skin and skel- 

 eton of any good-sized snake by exercising a little patience. 



Do not try to skin through the mouth, but make a long cut on the 

 under side and skin either way from it. 



Coil up the skeleton and it will make a very compact buudle. 



CROCODILES. 



The breastbone of crocodiles extends the entire length of the body, 

 and although the hinder portion of it is not attached to the backbone, 

 yet great care is necessary in disemboweling not to cut away any of the 

 slender bones of which it is formed. 



There are also cartilaginous projections on the ribs which should not 

 be sliced off in roughing them out. 



FISHES. 



Fishes vary so much in their structure that it is a difficult matter to 

 giver any directions for preparing their skeletons that would be of much 

 service. Almost invariably there are two rows of ribs present, and 

 these extend backward for some distance. 



Proceed slowly and carefully, as the edge of the scalpel will often give 

 notice of some unsuspected bone. 



