SETTING UP FISHES BY TAXIDERMIC METHODS 223 



the length ; that is to say, if the paper rests at one end just 

 by the base of the tail, the other end should come just past the 

 gill openings. Let a board be cut to the shape of this paper 

 pattern, and, at distances determined by the length of the fish, 

 drive two stout wires through it, and clench them securely 

 at the back. This is the artificial " backbone " to be used 

 afterwards. 



The fish, after it has been skinned by the method detailed 

 in this division, and the head and bases of the fins been well 

 crowded with paper, tow, and putty or composition, is laid, 

 incision uppermost, upon a separate board larger than the 

 specimen, and dry plaster of Paris — which is far superior to 

 sawdust, bran, or sand as a filling- material — is ladled in, 

 beginning at the tail, and is well pressed and rammed with 

 a short stick, shortening up the skin meanwhile, which, at 

 the tail especially, has a remarkable tendency to lengthen out. 



In sewing up, when about a third has been completed, let 

 the stitches be fastened off, and fill in at the other end, being 

 careful to firmly press and ram the plaster everywhere to 

 remove all wrinkles and depressions, lifting head and tail 

 gently from time to time to look underneath and see how 

 matters are progressing. When nearing the middle of the 

 body be sure to deepen that part, and when full sew up the 

 remainder of the skin. Take another board and place it on 

 the top of the fish ; lightly tie both together, turn the fish over, 

 and, what is now the upper board being removed, the fish is 

 revealed right side uppermost. No doubt it will be found 

 rather flat where it has rested upon the board, and this must 

 be improved by passing a wet cloth over the skin, and, when 

 damp enough, patting it into shape by means of the bat-shaped 

 piece of wood ; but, should the modelling not be true, note the 

 positions where faults occur, and, reversing the specimen again, 

 crowd in more plaster between the stitches, or cut a few, if 



