238 TAXIDERMY AND MODELLING 



The white cast will soon show itself in places, and, with care, 

 reUeve from the coloured mould. 



The work is then complete, and you have the plaster cast. 



A modification and improvement on this is to stir into the 

 plaster intended for the first coat a sufficient quantity of any 

 common powder-colour (say Venetian red or red lead) to tint 

 it. Let this be poured on as a very thin coating over all parts 

 of the specimen — assume it to be a fish, — let it set, then oil or 

 soft soap it all over, and follow with another thin coat of plaster 

 of Paris uncoloured ; oil again, and follow with another thin 

 coat of uncoloured plaster, and so on, until a just sufficient 

 thickness is attained to prevent breakage when the fish is taken 

 out. Make a note of the number of layers, or the colours 

 might even be varied after the first coat with any other cheap 

 powder-colour. Instead of oiling or soaping each successive 

 layer, brown paper may be introduced between, but is not 

 certain in its effect. 



The fish or other object, having been removed, reveals the 

 mould with a tinted inner surface. It will not be necessary to 

 dry this, for the sooner it is cast into the more easily will it 

 break away. Soap or oil the mould (some authorities recom- 

 mend merely soaking it in water, but this does not always 

 answer), and pour plaster into it. Let it set for an hour or so, 

 and then proceed with the modelling-tools Nos. 29 to 39, or with 

 small chisels and a hammer, to break and prise away layer after 

 layer, until, coming to the last pink one, greater care is necessary, 

 and the model, being white, gives due notice of its presence 

 below, so that, by delicate handling, the last coat is removed 

 and the complete fish is revealed. It is a very pretty process, 

 but one which taxes the patience and ingenuity of the operator. 



In the case of a fish, snake, or lizard, a tablet should be 

 allowed for in the plaster itself, and this is, of course, determined 

 by the edges of the mould being protracted beyond the object 



