BIRDS 



23 



many studies. Specimens so decomposed in hot weather that the 

 hair slips and the skin is valueless may be utilized advantageously 

 in this way. To prepare skeletons remove the hide and the entrails. 

 Cut the flesh away from legs and body, being careful not to mar 

 the bones. Small skeletons may be left intact, but in the case of 

 larger ones it is necessary to disarticulate the legs and the skull. 

 Clean out the brain and cut away the cheek and head muscles 

 on skulls larger than that of 

 a squirrel. Do not attempt 

 this on skulls of small 

 species. 



Larger skeletons should be 

 tied in compact bundles for 

 convenience in packing, and 

 all should be thoroughly 

 dried in the sun before they 

 are shipped. Do not salt 



skeletons, but dry them without preservative, except that the 

 smaller ones may be placed in alcohol if desired. Never use for- 

 malin. If the skeletons become infested with insect larvae, these 

 will not harm the bones. Skeletons and skins should not be packed 

 together for shipment, however, as the insect larvae will ruin the 

 skins. 



Be certain that data tags are securely tied to each skull and 

 skeleton. 



Fig. 18. — Skinning out cartilage 

 in ear from inside in large mam- 

 mals. 



BIRDS 



Birds generally are collected by shooting with small shot, the 

 size depending on the size of the bird. Birds may also be obtained 



