BLOODSTAINS, ETC. 77 



careful and persistent treatment witli an ether might be effec- 

 tive, but I am not prepared to say it would be. Removal of 

 all fat that can be got off during skinning with a liberal use 

 of plaster will in a measure prevent a difficulty that remains 

 incurable. 



§42. Bloodstains, etc. In the nature of the case, this com- 

 plication is of continual occurrence ; fortunately it is easier 

 dealt with than greasiness. Much may be done, in the field, 

 to prevent bloodying of the plumage, as already said. A little 

 blood does not show much on a dark plumage ; but it is of 

 course conspicuous on light or white feathers. Dried blood 

 may often be scraped off, in imitation of the natural process 

 by which a bird cleanses its plumage with the bill ; or be pul- 

 verized by gently twiddling the feathers between the fingers, 

 and then blown off. But feathers may by due care be washed 

 almost as readily as clothing ; and we must ordinarilj^ resort 

 to this to remove all traces of blood, especially from white 

 surfaces. If properly dried they do not show the operation. 

 With a soft rag or pledget of cotton, dipped in warm water 

 bathe the place' assiduously, pressing down pi'etty hard, only 

 taking care to stroke the feathers the right way, so as not to 

 crumple them, until the red color disappears ; then you have 

 simply a wet place to deal with. Press gypsum on the spot ; 

 it 'will cake ; flake, it off and apply more, till it will no longer 

 stick. Then raise the feathers on a knife blade and sprinkle 

 gypsum in among them ; pat it down and shake it up, 

 wrestling with the spot till the moisture is entirely absorbed. 

 Two other fluids of the body will give you occasional annoy- 

 ance — the juices of the alimentary canal, and the eye-water. 

 Escape of the former by mouth, nostrils or vent is preventable 

 by plugging these orifices, and its occurrence is inexcusable. 

 But shot often lacerates the gullet, crop and bowels, and though 

 nothing may flow at the time, subsequent jolting or pressure 

 in the game bag causes the escape of fluids : a seemingly safe 

 specimen may be unwrapped to show the whole belly plumage 

 a sodden brown mass. Such accidents should be treated pre- 



