76 TAXIDERMY AND MODELLING 



the mildew would be the result of unskilfulness or careless- 

 ness on the part of the operator, and nothing can be done. 

 In the second event, the case must be opened, the mildew 

 removed, and the subject left until properly dried. In the 

 third event, the same treatment must be followed, and the 

 case, of course, removed to a dry position. 



If crystals or efflorescence form, however, it would point 

 to the belief that ordinary alum had been used instead of the 

 alum ustum of the formula, or that more saltpetre had been 

 used than was directed ; and the efflorescence must be removed 

 with warm water until no more appears, and when dry the 

 eyes, nose, and mouth of the specimen where it appeared must 

 be brushed with a little olive oil. Thus the only blame in the 

 matter rests with the operator, and not with the formula. 



Finally, the advice now repeated and insisted upon is, that 

 the skins of all taxidermic specimens should be treated with a 

 non-poisonous preservative (Formula 5 7 or 5 9), and that, when 

 quite finished and dried, and before being cased, they should 

 have a thorough dressing With one of the liquid preservatives. 

 Formula 10 or 11, over the feathers, bills, and legs of birds, 

 and over the whole of the fur and bare parts of mammals, 

 after which nothing — not even the Dermestes beetles — can 

 possibly feed upon them, and the handling of any poisonous 

 substance is thereby obviated. 



All subjects should be as fresh as possible before preservation 

 by any method, but, if at all stale, they may often be saved by 

 steeping in either of the preservatives, Formula 3 or 31. 



Blow-flies occasionally give trouble in hot weather, and all 

 specimens should be protected from them ; the brushing over 

 of the mouth, and eyes, and soft parts generally with the 

 preservative Formula 34 will prevent any damage, and it is 

 also an advantage if the specimens be enclosed, pending the 

 setting-up, in a light wooden framework covered with muslin, 



