ORNITBOLOOICAL AND OOLOGICAL COLLECTING. 7 



simple. Some taxidermists use nothing but the common pulverized arsenic, which 

 they sprinkle over the inside of the skin. Others prefer the old-time arsenical soap, 

 whloh is very good and can be bought from any dealer in natural history materials, 

 or you can make it yourself, and I herewith give the formula: 



ARSENICAL, SOAP. 



White soap 2 pounds. 



Powdered arsenic 2 pounds. 



Camphor 5 ounces. 



Sub. carbonate of potash 6 ounces. 



Alcohol 8 ounces. 



liime 2 ounces. 



Directions. — Slice the soap and melt it in a small quantity of water over a slow 

 tire, stirring it sufficiently to prevent its burning. When melted, add the potash 

 and lime, and boil until it becomes quite thick. Now stir in the powdered arsenic, 

 after which add the camphor, previously dissolved in the alcohol. When the mass 

 has been boiled down to the consistency of thick molasses, pour it into an earthen 

 jar to cool and harden. Stir it frequently while cooling to prevent the arsenic 

 settling to the bottom. When cold it should be like lard or butter. For use, mix a 

 small quantity with water until it resembles buttermilk, and apply with a common 

 paint brush. 



The preservative which I have always used is the following: 



ARSENICAL, SOLUTION AND ARSENICAL, PASTE. 



Crystallized Arsenic 1 pound. 



Bicarbonate of Soda Vz pound. 



Place these two ingredients In a vessel containing five pints of water and boil 

 the whole down to three pints, or until the arsenic and soda have disappeared, stir- 

 ring frequently to keep them from settling to the bottom. Crush the large pieces 

 of arsenic in order that they may more quickly dissolve. When cold it is ready for 

 use. Put the liquid in a large bottle, properly labeled, "Poison." When a quantity 

 of this solution is mixed with common whiting to the consistency of cream it is 

 ready to be applied to the inside of skins with a brush, and is called Arsenical Paste. 

 For the purpose of mixing the solution and whiting take a wide-mouthed bottle or 

 a shallow dish and keep a large and a small brush in it for use on the various sizes of 

 skins. The beauties of the Arsenical paste are, that it is quickly and easily made, 

 is cheap, makes a most substantial coating and its poisonous effect on skins is equal 

 to anything of the kind made, not excepting the time-tried Arsenical Soap. 



INSTRUMENTS. 



A dissecting case which can be purchased for $3.50 will be found serviceable at 

 home and in the field. It contains: 

 1 cartilage knife. 

 1 scalpel. 

 1 pair of scissors. 

 1 dissecting point. 

 1 pair of forceps. 

 1 hooks and chain. 

 1 blow-pipe and drill. 



