94 MANUAL OF TAXIDERMY. 



cut it in the form of the cartilage removed from 

 the ear. Fasten wire into these pieces of lead with 

 the ends protruding downward ; bore holes in the 

 skull into which the ends are introduced, thus form- 

 ing the support, and keeping the ears in proper 

 position. Supply the muscles of the skull with 

 excelsior and clay or papier-mache, then adjust 

 the skin firmly and sew up. Fill the lips and nose 

 with papier-mache or clay, and mould into shape. 

 The above instructions, if followed, will give a 

 mounted specimen, but I cannot convey the ideas 

 which must teach the student the exact poise, the 

 swell of the muscle, the exact shape of the eye 

 which will give life and beauty to the subject in 

 hand ; all these must come from patience, study, 

 and long practice, for skilful taxidermists do not 

 spring at once into existence, but require expe- 

 rience and careful education. 



Section III. : Mounting Dried Skins of 

 Mammals. — Skins of mammals must be soaked in 

 a strong solution of alum water, and when perfectly 

 soft see that the parts above the lips, eyes, etc., 

 are peeled down quite thin, and that every portion 

 of the skin is perfectly pliable, then it should be 

 moistened as described. 



Section IV. : Mounting Mammals Without 



