STANDS AND ORNAMENTAL SUPPORTS. 91 



of mounted birds for public exhibition. In this instance, uni- 

 formity and simplicity are desiderata. " Spread eagle" styles 

 of mounting, artificial rocks and flowers, etc., are entirely out 

 of place in a collection of any scientific pretensions, or de- 

 signed for popular instruction. Besides, they take up too much 

 room. Artistic grouping of an extensive collection is usually 

 out of the question ; and when this is unattainable, half-way 

 efibrts in that direction should be abandoned in favor of severe 

 simplicity. Birds look best on the whole in uniform rows, as- 

 sorted according to size, as far as a natural classification allows. 

 They are best set on the plainest stands, with circular base 

 and a short cylindrical crossbar lightly turned upright. The 

 stands should be painted dead-white and be no larger than is 

 necessary for secure support ; a neat stiff paper label may 

 be attached.* A small collection of birds, as an ornament t^ a 

 private residence, offers a different case ; here, variety of atti- 

 tude and appropriate imitation of the birds' natural surround- 

 ings, are to be secured. A miniature tree, on which a number 

 of birds may be placed, is readily made. Take stout wire, and 

 by bending it, and attaching other pieces, get the framework 

 . of the tree of the desired size, shape and number of perches. 

 Wrap it closely with tow to a proper calibre, remeinbering that 

 the two forks of a stem must be together only about as large 

 as the stem itself. Gather a basket full of lichens and tree 

 moss ; reduce them to coarse powder by rubbing with the 

 hands ; besmear the whole tree with mucilage or thin glue, and 

 sift the lichen powder on it till the tow is completely hidden. 

 This produces a very natural effect, which may be heightened 

 by separately afifixing larger scraps of lichen, or little bunches 

 of moss ; artificial leaves and flowers may be added at your 

 taste. The groundwork may be similarly prepared with a bit 

 of board, made adhesive and bestrewn with the same substance ; 



* A very simple and neat way of attaching the label to the stand is that used in 

 the Peabody Academy of Science and otlier museums. It consists of nan-ow 

 strips of tin bent over at each end so as to hold the label, and fixed to the stand by 

 a small tack at any desired angle. ' These tins and neat red-lined labels can be had 

 at the Naturalists' Agency, or the printed names can be cut ttom the " Check List " 

 and used for labels for Korth American birds. 



