BIRDS 



25 



if these are peculiar. The same data are repeated in your catalog 

 opposite the number of the specimen. The sex is added when 

 the bird is skinned, as usually it cannot be ascertained externally. 

 When ready to skin, replace the cotton in the throat with a 

 fresh plug. If an eye is damaged and leaking on the feathers, 

 pull it out carefully with forceps or knife point, and sprinkle 

 absorbent in the socket, putting in a small plug of cotton. 



United State? 



National Museum. 



§ 



Costa RfoS 



Libert A 



A.WETMORE 



Oct. H, 1940 



Prov. Gucmacaste^Kip Liberia 



© 



Fig. 19. — Sample label for birds. 



The best preservative for birds is powdered arsenic (dry white 

 arsenic trioxide) and powdered alum (ammonium) mixed in the 

 proportion of half and half by volume. In using, dust this on the 

 inside of the skin with a fluff of cotton held in the forceps. The 

 hind foot of a rabbit with the claws clipped off makes an 

 excellent brush for applying preservative. 



Lay the bird on its back in front of you with its head to your 

 left (if you are left-handed, reverse the position), and blow on 

 the bird's belly to part the feathers. In most species this reveals 



