BLOODSTAINS, ETC. 717 
careful and persistent treatment with an ether might be effec- 
tive, but I am not prepared to say it would be. Removal of 
all fat that can be got off during skinning with a liberal use 
of plaster will in a measure prevent a difficulty that remains 
incurable. 
$42. Broopstains, Etc. In the nature of the case, this com- 
plication is of continual occurrence; fortunately it is easier 
dealt with than greasiness. Much may be done, in the field, 
to prevent bloodying of the plumage, as already said. A little 
blood does not show much on a dark plumage; but it is of 
course conspicuous on light or white feathers. Dried blood 
may often be scraped off, in imitation of the natural process 
by which a bird cleanses its plumage with the bill; or be pul- 
verized by gently twiddling the feathers between the fingers, 
and then blown off. But feathers may by due care be washed 
almost as readily as clothing; and we must ordinarily resort 
to this to remove all traces of blood, especially from white 
surfaces. If properly dried they do not show the operation. 
With a soft rag or pledget of cotton dipped in warm water 
bathe the place assiduously, pressing down pretty hard, only 
taking care to stroke the feathers the right way, so as not to 
crumple them, until the red color disappears; then you have 
simply a wet place to deal with. Press gypsum on the spot; 
it will cake; flake it off and apply more, till it will no longer 
stick. Then raise the feathers on a knife blade and sprinkle 
gypsum in among them; pat it down and shake it up, 
wrestling with the spot till the moisture is entirely absorbed. 
Two other fluids of the body will give you occasional annoy- 
ance—the juices of the alimentary canal, and the eye-water. 
Escape of the former by mouth, nostrils or vent is preventable 
by plugging these orifices, and its occurrence is inexcusable. 
But shot often lacerates the gullet, crop and bowels, and though 
nothing may flow at the time, subsequent jolting or pressure 
in the game bag causes the escape of fluids: a seemingly safe 
specimen may be unwrapped to show the whole belly plumage 
a sodden brown mass. Such accidents should be treated pre- 
