144 HINTS ON TAXIDERMY. 
substitute for the central wire or body support. Having 
sharpened a piece of wire large enough to firmly support the 
specimen, force it down through the skull and neck, passing 
it through the gimlet hole at a (Fig. 32) ; when it appears 
on the under side bend the end into the form of a hook with 
the pineers, and drive it firmly into the wood. Next, the 
foreleg wires, well sharpened, should be foreed up through 
the soles of the feet, and fixed into the bar of wood at b and 
c, in the same manner as the head support. Do the same 
Fig. 32. 

with the hind leg wires, fastening them at the lower part of 
the bar, as at d and e. Lastly, the tail support should be 
placed in position, fastening it to the wooden bar at the 
point f. This completes the framework. A quantity of hay 
or moss should now be proeured, and it is of the utmost 
importance that it should be thoroughly dry, otherwise the 
specimen is liable to mould. Commence filling the neck, 
keeping the wire in the centre of the material, and stuff 
downward to the forelegs; these should then be restored to 
form, taking care to imitate the muscles of the shoulder. 
In working down the body place the hay or moss betwee? 
the bar of wood and the skin to avoid all stiff appearance; 
always place the stuffing material evenly within the skin, 
and never use pressure, as a fresh skin can be easily eX- 
panded far beyond its natural dimensions. Having reached 
the hind legs, imitate faithfully, by stuffing, all the natural 
muscles. When this part has been completed, sew up the 
various incisions; attention should be paid to separating the 

