DECOMPOSITION. 81 - 
fectly fresh, but I see no reason for this; when I have time to 
choose, I take the period of rigidity as being preferable on the 
whole; for the fluids have then “ settled,” and the limbs are 
readily relaxed by manipulation. If you have a large bag to 
dispose of, and are pressed for time, set them in the coolest 
place you can find, preferably on ice; a slight lowerjng of 
temperature may make a decided difference. Disembowelling, 
which may be accomplished in a moment, will materially retard 
decomposition. Injections of creosote or dilute carbolic acid 
will arrest decay for a time, for an indefinitely long period if 
a large quantity of these antiseptics be employed. When it 
becomes desirable (it can never be necessary) to skin a putres- 
cent bird, great care must be exercised not only to accomplish 
the operation, but to avoid danger. I must not, however, un- 
consciously lead you to exaggerate the risk, and will add that 
I think it often overrated. I have probably skinned birds as 
‘‘ camey” as any one has, and repeatedly, without being con- 
scious of any ill effects. J am sure that no poison, ordinarily 
generated by decomposition of a body healthy at death, can 
compare in virulence with that commonly resulting after death 
by many diseases. I also believe that the gaseous products, 
however offensive to the smell, are innocuous as arule. The 
danger practically narrows down to the absorption of fluids 
through an abraded surface; the poison is rarely taken in by 
natural pores of healthy skin, if it remain in contact but a 
short time. Cuts and scratches may be closed with a film of 
collodion, or covered with isinglass or court plaster, or pro- 
tected by rubber cots on the fingers. The hands should, of 
course, be washed with particular care immediately after the 
operation, and the nails scrupulously dressed. Having never 
been poisoned (to my knowledge), I cannot give the symptoms 
from personal experience ; but I will quote from Mr. Maynard. 
‘‘In a few days numerous pimples, which are exceedingly 
painful, appear upon the skin of the face and other parts of 
the person and, upon those parts where there is chafing or rub- 
bing, become large and deep sores. There is a general languor 
and, if badly poisoned, complete prostration results ; the slight- 
MANUAL. 6F 
