82 MANUAL OF TAXIDERMY. 



Mix well until it is of the consistency of putty, 

 when it is ready for use. 



In making a twig for an ordinary perch, fasten 

 a moderately stout wire in a wooden base ; wind it 

 with cotton, larger at the base, tapering toward 

 the end ; bend it in a position and cover with a 

 layer of papiermache, then with a comb indicate 

 the ridges in the bark of a tree, and add knots and 

 excrescences as desired, by moulding small pieces 

 with the fingers. Set aside to dry for a few 

 days. If the papier-mache cracks it does not con- 

 tain a sufficient quantity of glue, or if it shrinks 

 too much, more ashes or plaster should be added. 

 When dry paint with water-colors, made by adding 

 dry paint to dissolved white glue, stirring until the 

 mixture becomes of the consistency of cream. 

 A quarter of a pound of glue will take up a pound 

 of paint. Cover the bottom of the stand with this 

 paint, or with some other color, then sprinkle 

 profusely with smalt or mica sand. When dry, 

 add artificial leaves to the branches by winding 

 the stems around them. Trim the bottom of the 

 stand with mosses and grass fastened on with 

 glue. Stands for cases are made in a similar 

 manner, but it is an improvement to touch the 

 ground-work here and there with dry paint of 



