132 ZOOLOGT. 



•which, the preserving powder, (recommended for the skins 

 of Quadrupeds,) should be plentifully applied, particularly 

 to the remaining part of the rump, the leg and wing bones, 

 and to the skull ; as it absorbs the grease, and renders the 

 skin less liable to the attacks of insects. 



The cavities of the head should be filled with cotton, tow, 

 or other soft substance, at the same time introducing a 

 quantity of the powder : where the subjects are very large, a 

 difficulty will be experienced in retaining the leg and thigh 

 bones : but these instances will be rare, and in such oases the 

 Collector will use his own discretion ; in every case, when 

 the bones are retained, they must be carefully cleansed from 

 all muscular parts. 



The tongue, and if any curious appearance is visible in 

 the tracheae or wind-pipe, these should be preserved ia 

 spirit, with the solution of allum, (as before directed) as 

 these parts will often assist in ascertaining the genera or spe- 

 cies' to which the individuals belong. 



A considerable degree of practice is requisite to enable any 

 one to skin and stuff birds well; and no person should at- 

 tempt the latter, who is not in some degree acquainted with 

 the general outline of their history 3 so much at least, as 

 to enable them to give to each bird its appropriate attitude, 

 as without attention to this particular, the animals stuffed, 

 will only excite disgust and disappointment, in the minds of 

 any persons who are acquainted with the subjects ; we fre- 

 quently see a bird that does not perch, placed on the stump 

 of a tree ; or one, irhose haunts are confined to the shore*- 



