
92 HOW TO MAKE A BIRDSKIN. 
grasses and moss may be added. If a flat surface is not de_. 
sired soak stout pasteboard, till it can be moulded in various 
irregular elevations and depressions ; lay it over the board and 
decorate it in the same way. Rocks may be thus nicely imi- 
tated, with the addition of powdered glass of various colors. 
Such a lot of birds is generally enclosed in a cylindrical glass 
case with arched top. As it stands on a table to be viewed 
from different points, it must be presentable on all sides. A 
niche in parlor or study is often fitted with a wall-case, which, 
when artistically arranged, has a very pleasing effect. As such 
cases may be of considerable size, there is opportunity for the 
display of great taste in grouping. A place is not to be found 
for a bird, but a bird for the place—waders and swimmers 
below on the ground, perchers on projecting rests above. The 
surroundings may be prepared by the methods just indicated. 
One point deserves attention here—since the birds are only 
viewed from the front, they may have a ‘‘show-side ” to which 
everything else may be sacrificed. Birds are represented flying 
in such eases more readily than under other circumstances — 
supported on a concealed wire inserted in the back of the case. 
I have seen some very successful attempts to represent a bird 
swimming, the duck being let down part way through an oval 
hole in a plate of thick glass, underneath which were fixed 
stuffed fishes, shells and seaweed. It is hardly necessary to 
add that in all ornamental collections, labels or other scien- 
tific machinery must be rigorously suppressed. 
Transportation of mounted birds offers obvious difficulty. 
Unless very small, they are best secured immovably inside a 
box by screwing the foot of the stands to the bottom and sides, 
so that they stay in place without touching each other. Or, 
they may be carefully packed in cotton, with or without re- 
moval of the stands. Their preservation from accidental 
injury depends ppon the same care that is bestowed upon ordi- 
nary fragile ornaments of the parlor. The ravages of insects 
are to be prevented upon the principles to be hereafter given 
in treating of the preservation of birdskins. : 

