3i6 TAXIDERMY AND MODELLING 



of a table is usually found to assist the regularity of the 

 cutting. 



Wires for flowers must always have a knot made at the end 

 by turning a small piece over once or twice, otherwise the 

 flower is certain to slip off before completion. 



Some silk-covered wire is liable to strip, or does not hold 

 the fabric well, and in such instances it must be rubbed with 

 wax ; beeswax will do. 



Thick, fleshy leaves, such as those of the hyacinth, tulip, 

 and lily-of-the-valley, are (so say the Mintorns) better cast ; 

 that is to say, plaster moulds are made, but not boiled with 

 borax, and the leaves are made by pouring hot wax upon the 

 moulds, which are previously saturated in warm water. 



Very small leaves which are, as in such plants as the ox-eye 

 daisy, ragwort, and others, closely appressed to the flower-stalks, 

 need not have a wire inserted, but will adhere and remain erect 

 if tooled on to the main stem. 



Thick stems, such as those of the dandelion, are made upon 

 more than one wire. Cut wax into long wedge-shaped strips, 

 and, taking two wires, and placing the end of one some distance 

 below that of the other, cover with a strip of white wax to a little 

 beyond the top of the second wire. Add another wire some 

 distance lower, cover with another strip, and continue to add 

 wires and wax until a sufficient thickness and strength have 

 been obtained. If necessary, the wires may be turned up at 

 the bottom and made up in the stem for strength. When 

 rolled smooth, cover with white fabric and draw lightly between 

 the fingers, so that it will look transparent. 



Woody stems may be made with brown fabric alone upon 

 steel " tails," or as described for apple-blossom, p. 331. 



The modelling-pin plays so important a part in this beautiful 

 and fascinating work, and so much depends upon its skilful 

 handling, that the method of holding and rolling it must be 



