j6 MANUAL OF TAXIDERMY. 



quills, thus keeping them apart ; though even then 

 the clamp should be used. If a convex or concave 

 tail is desired, bind the cross-piece in a corre- 

 sponding manner. I do not, as a rule, recommend 

 binding freshly-skinned birds, nor do I consider it 

 necessary excepting in instances where feathers 

 are rough. If a bird be properly mounted a few 

 more clamps on the wings will keep it in form; 

 then the feathers can be made to stand out as 

 they do in nature, not lie down close to the body 

 as if the birds were badly frightened. This is 

 particularly noticeable with owls ; a perfectly 

 happy and contented owl, who is pursuing his 

 vocations, has apparently a body nearly or quite 

 twice the diameter of one that is frightened. 



Section III. : Crested Birds. — If a bird has a 

 crest it should be raised by gently pulling forward 

 the skin, where it will remain in position after it is 

 neatly arranged ; but in case of a dried skin, it may 

 be necessary to prop the crest up with a piece of 

 cotton, moulded on the head of a pin, the point of 

 which is sunk into the head. 



Section IV. : Mounting with Wings Spread. 

 — In skinning for spread wings, leave in the 

 humerus as well as the forearm, and do not 

 detach the quills, as already mentioned. Wire the 



