
HINTS ON TAXIDERMY. 191 
the mouth in a straight line to the tip; the length of the tail 
feathers from the extremity to their insertion in the coccyx, 
together with their number; the length of the tarsus, from 
the centre of the metatarsal and tarsal joints ; length of toes ; 
length and general character of the nails; the distance be- 
tween the tips of the wings when spread out to their full 
extent. It should be next observed whether it be male or 
female, young or adult; also, any change of plumage in 
winter or summer; the common name given it in the locality 
where it was collected ; the exact date when it was killed, 
and every fact which can be ascertained concerning its habits. 
"The sex of the specimen may be ascertained after the opera- 
tion of skinning has been completed, by making an incision 
In the side, near the vertebre, and exposing the inner surface 
of the ‘small of the back. The generative organs will be. : 
found tightly bound to this region (nearly opposite to the 
last ribs), and separating it from the intestines. The testicles "f 
of the male are two spheroidal or ellipsoidal whitish bodies, 
Varying from the size of a pin head to that of a hazel-nut, ac- 
cording to the season. The ovaries of the female, consisting 
of a flattened mass of spheres, variable in size with the sea- 
Son, will be found in the same region.”*  Allof the above 
statements should be plainly written upon slips of parchment 
or pasteboard, with ink, and attached to the corresponding 
Specimen, or recorded in a blank book, with a number cor- 
responding to the one attached to the specimen. 
When practicable, nests and eggs should be preserved 
With the birds to which they belong, and all information 
Concerning dates and places where they were found. Draw- 
"ns of specimens will also be useful, both in mounting and 
cs - * source of reference. Many may consider the above 
“rections, or at least a-greater portion of them, of not much 
_ portance, but if they are carefully observed and prac- 
| teed, the value of the collection will be greatly enhanced, 


since such information is of the utmost importance in scien- 
a is, ee itn etm 

* Report of the Smithsonian Institution. 

