18 



COLLECTOR'S MANUAL 



and where necessaiy dry by artificial heat or direct sunlight. 

 Never put salt. alum, or formalin on a skull. If skulls are in- 

 fested with maggots or are otherwise obnoxious because of 

 disagreeable odor of decay, dip them briefly in boiling water. 



Tie the skin label securely to the right hind foot close above 

 the heel (fig. 13). The skin should now be pinned down on a 

 board, preferably of soft wood. Pin the feet with the soles down 

 placing the hind feet as close as possible to the tail (fig. 13). 



Fig. 13. — Finished skin labeled and pinned for drying. 



The fore and hind feet when pinned down should not project out- 

 ward be}*ond the sides of the body. 



The final shaping is given as the stuffed skin is pinned down. 

 Flatten the specimen somewhat for convenience in handling and 

 storage. The specimen may now be set away in a safe place to 

 dry. In very damp climates it may be necessary to dry in direct 

 sunlight or by artificial heat. If exposed to sunlight for drying, 

 the skins should be covered with paper. 



Directions for large mammals. — Take the following measure- 

 ments in millimeters or inches before skinning (fig. 14) : (1) Total 

 length of animal, in a straight line, from tip of nose to end of 



