ZOOLOGYJ 51 



in this art, to have a lesson or two from Some skilful prac- 

 titioner, as it is not an easy matter to succeed in a task of 

 this kind from any instruction, without the assistance of 

 practical illustration. 



The best mode to pursue in setting up the smaller kinds 

 of Quadrupeds, is, by forming a false body ; this may be done, 

 with a piece of iron wire, of a substance proportioned to the 

 size of the Animal, and should be of sufficient length, to pass 

 through the skull, (if retained,) and to protrude a little, and 

 also to extend rather beyond the tail ; the ends of the wire 

 should be filed to sharp points, to prevent their tearing the 

 skin ; and it should have previously been thoroughly heated 

 in the fire, to render it quite flexible, this is to be wrapped round 

 with tow or fine rope-yarn, till it is sufficiently large to fill 

 out the skin ; lateral pieces of wire should be introduced 

 through the soles of the feet, and when practicable through 

 the leg-bones, and attached td the principal wire running 

 through the body ; every part of the skin should be filled 

 out to its full extent ; and some of the powder should from 

 time to time be introduced with the stuffing; the leg-wires 

 must be sufficiently long to pass through the soles of the 

 feet, and through a piece of wood capable of supporting the 

 animal, to which it may be fixed, as it can then more easily be 

 dryed. Previously to the skin being stufi"ed5 if a dried one, 

 it will be necessary to wrap it in damp cloths for twenty- 

 four hours or even longer, according to the size and substance 

 of the skin, some of the largest Quadrupeds will even require 

 thoroughly soaking in water for some days ; Animals of the 

 size of the Horse, Ox, Rhinoceros, &c., will be most faith- 

 fully represented by having their skins supported by a frame 



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