MAMMALS 7 



Use black pencil or waterproof ink. On the label to be attached 

 to the skin write: (1) The number assigned to the specimen; 

 (2) sex (o* = male; $ = female); (3) locality; (4) date; (5) name 

 of collector; (6) total length of the animal, tip of nose to end 

 of tail vertebrae, taken preferably with the animal stretched tight 

 on its back (fig. 1); (7) length of tail taken by turning tail at 

 right angles with back and measuring from base to tip (fig. 2) ; 

 (8) length of hind foot, from heel to tip of most distant claw 

 (fig. 3). These data should be entered in your catalog opposite 

 the number of the specimen. On the label to be attached to the 

 skull write the same number as on the skin label and the initials 

 of the collector (fig. 4). 



Mammals should be skinned as soon as possible after the blood 

 has coagulated in death. After taking measurements, writing 

 labels, and recording all data, lay the mammal on its back, hold 

 the skin taut along midline of abdomen, and cut the skin from 

 about hinder end of breastbone to a point in front of vent (fig. 5) . 

 Commence on one side to work the skin loose until the hind leg 

 is visible. Push the leg from the outside toward the opening 

 (fig. 6) and at the same time pull the knee joint inward, sever 

 the knee joint, and then work the skin downward as far as the 

 heel. Strip the meat from the bone left on the hind leg, and 

 then repeat the operation on the other hind leg. The free use 

 of fine hardwood sawdust or corn meal on the exposed flesh will 

 keep the fur clean and prevent hair from sticking to the body 

 while skinning. Fine dry earth may be used, lacking the others, 

 but is not as good. Use the finger or the flat end of a scalpel to 

 work the skin loose from the body. Cut the skin and the vent 

 free from the bod}'. Work the skin loose around the base of the 



