42 COLLECTOR'S MANUAL 



Fold the wings and legs against the body, turn the head and 

 neck on the back, and wrap with string or thread firmly, but not 

 too tightly, and tie to make a compact bundle. Tie a string 

 through the loop made by the neck vertebrae and hang up in the 

 sun in a safe place to dry. Small skeletons may be preserved in 

 alcohol, but never put formalin on skeletons. When they are 

 completely dry, wrap skeletons in paper and pack in boxes that 

 will not crush in shipping. 



Always pack skeletons separate from skins as they ma}' be 

 attacked by insects. These will not injure bones but will destroy 

 skins. 



REPTILES 



(Lizards, Snakes, Turtles, Crocodiles, Alligators) 



Lizards and snakes are usually killed during capture, or they 

 may be dispatched by striking a quick blow on the neck back of 

 the head. Always use utmost care in handling snakes you do not 

 know; they may be poisonous. In shooting lizards or snakes, use 

 fine shot. Those captured alive may be drowned in 30 to 60 percent 

 alcohol, a method tjiat may serve for small turtles. Large turtles 

 may be killed by cutting the spinal cord in the neck just before 

 it joins the shell, while alligators and crocodiles may be shot 

 through the heart or vertebral column. Do not injure the head. 



Snakes may be captured alive by means of a slip noose of cord 

 or fine wire on the end of a stick (fig. 36). They are carried best 

 in small bags of heavy muslin or light-weight canvas, one animal 

 to a bag. Always use great care in handling any that may be 

 poisonous. 



