334 ZOOLOGY. 



The drying of the skins when first obtained, and the pack- 

 ing, are in q.11 cases to be performed as for Quadrupeds. 



Skins of birds, when in a dry state, must be placed be- 

 tween damp cloths, till pliable, by which process they will 

 not sustain any injury, provided they are not kept so long 

 damp as to rot the skin ; twenty-four hours will not in any 

 case injure; but in warm weather, the shorter the time, the 

 less likely is the skin to be impaired. Birds kept in a state 

 of confinement are very subject to be infested with vermin, to 

 rid the skins of which, it will be advisable to steep them in 

 a strong solution of Allum, and Corrosive Sublimate, this 

 will mostly destroy all insects, after which, the skins may be 

 stuffed in the usual manner, and dryed ; to prevent any of the 

 Allum from crystallizing on the feathers, as soon as the skin 

 is taken out of the solution, it may be well washed in clear 

 water; these precautions apply to all Animals kept in a 

 tame or domestic state. When stuffed, the skins should be 

 dried in the same manner, and with the same precautions as 

 those of Quadrupeds ; in placing them in their respective 

 cases, a piece of Camphor should be introduced into the case, 

 as its effluvia is obnoxious to insects, and it at the same time 

 covers any ill smell arising from the skin ; dryed flowers, 

 grasses, mosses, lichens, and various kinds of sea- weed, may 

 be occasionally used with considerable effect, to ornament 

 the cases, and give a more natural effect to the birds : care 

 must be taken that all flowers, &c. be baked in a slow 

 oven for a considerable time, previous to their being used, 

 to destroy any insects, their eggs or larvae, that may be 

 attached to the flowers, leaves, or stems. 



