54 TAXIDERMY AND MODELLING 



perfectly preserved in the fluid of the proportions following. 

 The agent who sent them "washed his hands" of the re- 

 sponsibility, never having used anything but spirits, which, of 

 course, shrivels specimens considerably. However, after treat- 

 ment as described, they are now, after a lapse of three years, 

 quite fresh, pliable, and with little loss of their original colour. 

 Some are in an open tank with water, one is in weak spirits, 

 and some dissections of the cartilaginous skull and the appen- 

 dicular skeleton are in water, all perfectly unchanged and well 

 preserved. 



Although not recommended for mammals, it will yet pre- 

 serve them very well, and, in cases where the fur is not white 

 nor black, the colour will not be materially affected. A small 

 opossum was perfectly preserved for some months in the fluid, 

 and was successfully set up afterwards ; and a white rat, treated 

 as an experiment, was not so much affected, after the colour had 

 been discharged, as would be imagined. 



Indeed there is no limit to its uses, and no priparateur 

 should be without the following : — 



43. — Fluid for preserving Reptiles, AmpMbiaus, Fishes, and 

 Invertebrates (M.B.) 



Bichromate of potassa . . . . ^ oz. 



Salt . . . . . • i ,, 



Water . . . . . . i gal. 



Pound up the crystals and mix well before using. Lay the 

 specimen in a strong solution of salt — say two pounds to one 

 gallon of water — for about an hour to remove the blood, etc., 

 and then, having thoroughly cleansed it, place it in the above 

 preservative for a week in the dark ; at the end of that time, 

 change the liquid for fresh, and let the subject remain therein 

 for some considerable time, say a month, sometimes longer, 

 when it will be found to be stained of a yellowish colour. 

 This staining has hitherto been regarded as an insuperable 



