HINTS ON TAXIDERMY. ` 137 
ency of syrup; in the former case it should be dusted upon 
the skin by means of a small sieve; in the latter it is neces- 
sary to apply it with a brush. Arsenical soap should be used 
only upon skins which are intended to be kept for a long 
time before being mounted. It is composed of the following 
ingredients: powdered arsenic $ lb., camphor 14 lb., salts 
of tartar 3 oz., powdered lime 1 oz., bar soap $ lb. 
The soap should be cut into very fine slices, put into a tin 
dish with warm water, and stirred over a moderate fire until 
thoroughly dissolved ; the powdered lime and salts of tartar 
should then be added and mixed with the soap. The prep- 
aration should next be removed from the fire, the pow- 
dered arsenic, and lastly the camphor (powdered and dis- 
solved in a little alcohol) added, stirring the mixture all 
the while. The whole should have the consistency of flour 
paste; if it be too thick add a little water, taking care not 
to hold it over the fire after the camphor has been added, 
as heat will cause the latter to evaporate speedily. After 
cooling it place it in a jar with a brush passing through 
the stopper, and label the jar "poison." In extreme cases 
when the above preparations cannot be obtained, the skin 
should be rubbed with salt or with alum, or filled with spices 
and strong smelling herbs. These are by no means a sub- 
stitute for arsenic, and are to be used only when the latter 
cannot be obtained. The skins of large animals should be 
soaked in a solution of alum, arsenic and salt, or in weak 
arseniated alcohol for several days. 
Directions for preliminary work. — When a specimen has 
been killed the mouth should be opened, cleaned and filled 
With cotton or tow; the nostrils and vent, and any wounds 
should be treated in the same way to prevent blood or other 
Secretions from exuding. It is essential to remove the skin 
as soon as possible after death. Should this be inconvenient, 
the internal organs should be taken out and the cavity filled 
with powdered charcoal if it can be had, if not, salt should 
e used. Previous to removing the skin, an accurate meas- 
AMER. NATURALIST, VOL. III. 18 

