342 TAXIDERMY AND MODELLING 



\\ inches in height by some few inches in length, in which 

 saw-cuts, an inch in depth, have been made at one-inch inter- 

 vals for the reception and retention of the ends of the strip at 

 the width needed. 



In some instances, when casting not only leaves but other 

 small objects, it is convenient to use two S|trips of zinc and 

 two pieces of cleft wood, which, when the zinc strips are 

 inserted within the clefts, will make either a square or a long 

 narrow box, thus supplementing the casting-box described at 

 p. 231, which is, perhaps, more suitable for larger objects. 



The moulds having been completed and prepared as usual, 

 commence the modelling by making a rib as previously directed 

 (see pp. 306-308, and 316), but increasing the thickness rapidly 

 in the lower third of the rib proper, as the stem — which must 

 be made at the same time^is of about equal thickness 

 throughout. In making the actual stem, double or four-fold 

 strips of wax should be used and rolled rather loosely, for the 

 sake, not only of transparency, but of subsequent modelling. 



Next take a large sheet of wax, a little lighter than the 

 leaf to be copied, and press upon one of the moulds sufficiently 

 to mark the outline of the leaf Remove the wax and cut all 

 around a little outside the outline, and mark and cut a piece of 

 fabric in like manner. Replace the wax, and press it thoroughly 

 upon the mould to get a good impression of the veins, and 

 then, with a small sharp knife, cut out a very narrow wedge- 

 shaped strip from the lower portion to allow the transparent 

 rib to show through. Place the rib in position, first warming 

 it slightly if necessary, and press just sufficiently to make it 

 adhere to the wax, but being extremely careful that the wax, 

 where slit, is not torn and pushed out of place. Press the 

 stem well into the mould, holding it at the sides and not 

 pressing it upon the top, or the result will be anything but 

 satisfactory. Lay the fabric upon the wax, mark where it 



