158 PRACTICAL TAXIDERMY. 



and light rocks, white cotton-wadding should be em- 

 ployed, and the grain of the rocks imitated by "washes " of 

 color, after the cotton is thoroughly dried. If you desire 

 rocks of dark color, coat them with the composition refer- 

 red to on page 173, and, when dry, any markings may be 

 made with a small brush and Pans- white, or light color. 

 If you wish water rocks, a coat of thin glue dries with a rich 

 gloss, and gives the appearance of dampness. For grouse 

 or any upland birds, dust the rocks before the glue dries, 

 with pulverized rock, and colored smalts or sands. By 

 mixing a variety of smalts, a pretty combination of colors 

 can be obtained. When mica rock is not used, fine frost- 

 ing may be sprinkled over the surface. It will impart a 

 bright finish and a sparkling, appearance to the rocks. 



CORK ROCK-WORK. 



The surface of cork is naturally adapted to the making 

 of artificial rocks, and its perviousness facilitates shaping 

 and fastening. When the cork is ready for covering, give 

 it a thick coat of plaster of Paris, mixed with water to 

 the consistency of cream. Theu throw on pulverized 

 rock or sand, and lightly touch with a brush of stiff bris- 

 tles, in order to give a rough suiface. Dry color may be 

 put on in the same manner as the sand, until the desir- 

 ed shades are secured. Plaster should be thinly mixed, 

 and left to thicken to a proper consistency ; otherwise 

 it will dry so rapidly that sand will not adhere firmly, and 

 the plaster will come off m scales. Plaster should always 

 be quickly handled and allowed to thoroughly dry before 

 it is touched. 



Nature can be more faithfully represented by this rock- 

 work than by any other vanety. 



COKE ROCK WORK. 



• Coke is generally placed at the bottom of large rocks or 

 at the base of trees, in hanging shades. It can be covered 



