394 TAXIDERMY AND MODELLING 



wrack is removed, the mould is dried, oiled, and filled (by 

 brushing) with the Formula 96 glue - composition, which, 

 when dry, is trimmed at the edges to the exact shape of the 

 original wrack, and is then so like the natural object in some 

 instances as to be almost indistinguishable from it, but usually 

 it should be coloured. 



On Plate XVI. (Fig. 6) is shown a mould of the common 

 Fucus serratus, and on the left upper portion of Plate XIX. is 

 shown a model from the same executed in glue-composition 

 (Formula 96), whilst two other fronds in this material are ex- 

 hibited on the same plate. 



Lichens such as the lung-worts, Sticta sp., which do not dry 

 properly, may also be cast and modelled in the same material. 



The various corallines found upon the coast, such as the 

 sea-mat, Flustra foliacea, the sea-fir, Sertularia abietina, and 

 its allies, which, though really the productions of invertebrate 

 animals, are popularly confounded with seaweeds, are often of 

 extreme beauty, and valuable in mounting. They should be 

 thoroughly and often rinsed in fresh water and dried before use. 

 Many of them should be " twiddled " before the fire whilst just 

 damp after the last washing, and will dry expanded, and, as many 

 of them take colour well, their natural hues may be restored 

 afterwards ; beware, however, of aniline dyes, which, beautiful and 

 natural-looking at first, will change under the influence of light 

 to drabs or dirty browns. If no " fast " dye is at hand, let 

 them be stained with light washes of water- or oil-colour. 



Many sponges, dredged or cast up by the sea, are often of 

 equal value. Sea-urchins {Echinus, Spatangus, etc.) are avail- 

 able for mounting, and, after having the insides removed and 

 being well washed and dipped in the solution, Formula 33, may 

 be tinted to nature, but not with aniline dyes nor loaded with 

 crude masses of colour, as is done by some who ought to know 

 better. 



