214 TAXIDERMY AND MODELLING 



Laid upon the dissecting-table, the first process is to take 

 all necessary measurements or trace an outline on stiff paper, 

 and, selecting the better side of the fish — that less bruised or 

 ripped, or from which the fewer scales are missing, — cover 

 that side with tissue-paper or muslin, which will easily adhere 

 to the slime ^ with which all fishes are coated. This serves to 

 hold the scales in their places, and, moreover, gives a certain 

 stiffness or " set " to the skin whilst the flesh is being removed. 



Turn the specimen worse or uncovered side uppermost, 

 and keep all the fins (in which is included the tail or caudal 

 fin) moistened by wet rags, or by dipping them in water, or by 

 brushing them with glycerin, for on no account must they be 

 permitted to dry during the operation of skinning, etc. 



Lift the operculum or covering of the gills, and observe 

 that its edge just covers a somewhat silvery or golden arch 

 of bone between it and the body; sever this, which is the 

 pectoral arch and rather thick, with the shears (No. 8), and 

 now, taking either a smaller pair of scissors or the knife No. 3 

 or 4, make a clear and not deep incision thence through the 

 skin of the body exactly in the centre, and continue it up to 

 the insertion of the tail-fin. Afterwards, with the same or with 

 a broader knife (No. i or 2), separate the edge of the skin on 

 either side of the incision, by holding one part, whilst the other 

 hand guides the knife with a scraping motion to free the skin 

 from the flesh. The knife should be held in a somewhat 

 slanting position toward the operator, and great care must be 

 exercised, when nearing the fins, not to cut outward, or a hole 

 may ensue, which will leave the fins attached to the flesh, and 

 not to the skin as required. The first fin to be freed is, of 

 course, that one lying close to, and just underneath, the com- 

 mencement of the incision ; this is called the pectoral fin, 



1 Mr. Rowland Ward mentions in Sportsman^ Haiidipok, p. 92, seventh ed., that 

 this may be removed by sponging with diluted vitriol. 



