DIRECTIONS FOR PREPARING STUDY SPECIMENS OF 



SMALL MAMMALS. 



By Gekkit S. Mii.lkr, Jk., 

 Assistant Curator, Division of Mammals. 



For peeparing study specimeus of mammals ranging in size irom 

 that of the smallest mice and shrews to that of a woodchuck, hare, or 

 large skunk, the following instruuients and materials are necessary: 



Scalpel or pocket kuife with small blade. 



Fine pointed forceps. 



Scissors. 



File. 



Metric rule. 



Dividers. 



Cotton, tow, and excelsior for stuffing. 



Galvanized iron wire of several sizes, from about No. 15 to No. 23, for feet 

 and tails. 



Combined cutter and plier for manipulating wire. 



Dry white arsenic, or a mixture of one-half arsenic and one-half powdered 

 alum. 



Corn meal, fine sawdust, sand, or clean, dry earth, to be used as au absorbent. 



Strong paper for labels. 



Medium soft pencil, or waterproof ink. 



Needles and thread. 



Pins. 



Alcohol, formalin, or strong cane rum. 



A pair of long forceps or ' stuffers,' nnd a fat scraper will often prove con- 

 venient for use on larger skins. 



Specimens of small mammals are to be preserved (a) as skins, {b) as 

 skeletons, and (c) entire in alcohol or formalin. 



SKINS. 



Mammals should he sMnned as soon as possible after death. They spoil 

 much more quicldy than birds. 



In hot climates the viscera should be removed from small mammals 

 immediately, and the abdominal cavity filled with cotton, tow, or leaves.^ 



'Mr. E. W. Nelson has furnished the special recommendations for work in tropical 

 climates. 



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