CHAPTER V 



THE SKINNING AND SETTING-UP OF MAMMALS BY ORDINARY 

 METHODS ; ALSO THEIR REPRODUCTION BY CASTING, 

 AND MODELLING IN PAPER, ETC. HORNED HEADS, THE 

 PREPARATION OF SKELETONS, AND' THE TAWING OF 

 SKINS. 



DIVISION I 



SKINNING AND SETTING-UP BY ORDINARY METHODS 



For the purpose of this lesson, either a rat or a small rabbit 

 should be procured, both of which are common, although 

 probably the latter will be found the best, not only because 

 it can be at any time easily purchased for a few pence, and 

 is larger,, but because, being the mammal usually selected for 

 biological investigations, a familiarity with its morphology will 

 be of service, and a distinct advantage to the future investigator. 

 The rabbit, then, having been procured in as fresh a state 

 as possible, — for it must be recollected that all creatures which 

 live on vegetable food decompose more quickly, especially 

 about the abdominal region, than carnivorous mammals, — 

 should be laid on the dissecting-table and well studied with 

 regard to its external morphology. The following measurements 

 should be taken, namely, the total length from the neck to 

 the tail, and — the head being thrown back upon the shoulders 

 — the length along the side from the throat to the insertion 



