CHAPTER VIII 



METHODS OF REPRODUCING VARIOUS SUBJECTS AMONGST 

 THE INVERTEBRATES 



Although models of these creatures are sometimes executed 

 in plaster, there is a difficulty in properly reproducing them in 

 a material which ever gives a certain hardness of texture incom- 

 patible with their soft-bodied character. Paper is very much 

 better, but the glass models made by the famous Blaschka, 

 numbers of which are found in most museums, have a vitreous 

 and unreal appearance which, although the colouring is un- 

 doubtedly prettily rendered, stamps them at once as models. 



Two processes, however, stand out in bold prominence for 

 the natural rendering of these soft-bodied animals : one the 

 wax, and the other the glue method. There is little but praise 

 to be said for either ; both are eminently pliable, both have a 

 certain softness of texture, and both receive colour admirably. 



Probably, on the score of durability, wax would come by 

 far the first, as it is, if of pure and good quality, practically 

 indestructible ; but, on the score of working, it is far more 

 difficult to manage, and taxes the capabilities of the artist far 

 more in overcoming difficulties of various kinds tha,n does the 

 glue process. This latter, although easier to manipulate, and 

 of equal value as far as appearance goes, is as yet upon 

 its trial, and although the formulae Nos. 96, 97 appear to be all 

 that is desirable, still there is no knowing how they will behave 



