48 TAXIDERMY AND MODELLING 



pure tannin, and shaking the whole well together. Two useful 

 strengths of this are given : — 



33. — Carbolic Wash for Mammals (M.B.) 



Glacial carbolic acid . 2 oz. 



Burnt alum or pure tannin . . i oz. 



Water (warm) i pint 



34.— Carbolic Wash for Birds (M.B.) 

 Glacial carbolic acid . i oz. 



Water (warm) . . .1 pint 



' Shake before using. 



Occasionally, collections of heads and skins are found 

 to be infested with insects, and in such a case the best and 

 most effectual mode of treatment is to plunge them completely 

 into a mixture prepared as follows : — 



35. — Carbolic Wash for Large Subjects 



Carbolic acid . . . . 4 oz. 

 Bichloride of mercury i „ 



Sal ammoniac . . . ^ „ 



Pure tannin . . 4 ^, 



■ Water (hot) . . 4 gals. 



This preparation — which is probably more efficacious if 

 used hot, though less healthy to the operator — should be mixed 

 and applied in some out-of-the-way place, care being taken not 

 to allow the poisonous and acrid mixture to touch the skin of 

 the hands. 



Although so deadly and dangerous if used carelessly, yet 

 there is no real need to inhale the fumes whilst hot, or to touch 

 it either hot or cold, if reasonable precautions be taken ; and 

 there is no doubt whatever as to its extreme efficacy when 

 used as directed. 



Osmic Acid. — This is usually rapid in its action as a fixative 

 with most organisms, and is indispensable for many, but its use is 



