l8o THE MAMMALS OF SOMALILAND 



gashing the skin, since even the smallest slit in this region will tend to 

 spread to a great extent, and thus cause almost irreparable injury to the 

 specimen. The lips should be cut off as close as possible to the gums. 



It may be added that in the case of animals of the approximate size of 

 a fox, the skin of the tail may be stripped off entire, without slitting the 

 under surface ; but for animals of this size not intended for mounting, see 

 page 184. 



Having now removed the skin from the carcase, the next process is to 

 cut away completely all fragments of flesh and fat which may have been 

 left adhering to its inner surface. The cartilages of the ears must also be 

 dissected out with the scalpel, by turning back the skin over them ; after 

 which the inner surface should be well anointed with some preservative — 

 powder, paste or liquid. The scalpel must also be passed between the 

 outer skin and the inner mucous lining of the lips, and the slit thus made 

 well dressed with the same substance. The eyelids have likewise to be 

 thoroughly dressed with preservative ; and if necessary, on account of 

 their thickness, they should be slit open with the scalpel from the inside. 



The skin has now to be dried, which may be effected, if that of a 

 large animal, either by pegging it out (without undue stretching), hair 

 downwards on the ground, or by folding and drying it in such a manner 

 that large creases should not be formed. Smaller skins should always be 

 folded and dried without creasing. Some preservative, such as alum, 

 or one of the special preparations sold for the purpose by dealers, should 

 now be well rubbed in, especially on the ears, mouth, feet, etc., and the 

 whole specimen sprinkled with the same. The hairy side of the skin has 

 next; to be well anointed with turpentine, and the specimen will be ready 

 for packing. When skins are shot during the rainy season, they are very 

 difficult to get dried, and it is then recommended that, if possible, they 

 should be pickled in brine. 



In addition to the skin, it is essential that the skull, and, if possible, the 

 bones of the limbs,: "should be preserved as complete as possible. The 

 flesh should be carefully cut away, the brain taken out through the natural 

 hole at the back, and^the bones soaked for a few hours in water, after 

 which they may be dried in the sun. In hot, dry climates the teeth 

 should be coated with wax in order to prevent their splitting. A wash 

 of turpentine over the skulls and other bones will prevent the ravages of 

 insects. 



SECTION B.—SMALL MAMMALS 



I. — With the freshly killed carcase before you, write the label. This 

 should bear on the , front a current number, the date, sex, locality, 



