482 HINTS ON TAXIDERMY. 
position, having previously filled the eye sockets and cavity 
of the brain with cotton. In stuffing, commence by re- 
storing the neck to its natural form with cut tow. A wire 
(the holy support), well pointed, should next be inserted at 
the top of the head, upon the outer surface, and passed 
down through the cut tow within the néck, across the space 
previously occupied by the body, and thence through the 
tail until it protrudes at the tip of the same. The other 
wires, or leg supports, should be inserted at the soles of each 
foot, up within the skin of the legs, and secured firmly to 
the main body support. The adjustment of the wires is 
essentially the same as recommended in the mounting of the 
arger mammalia. The various muscles should now be imi- 
tated with eut tow, and the upper and under plates joined. 
This may be accomplished by bringing them together, and 
boring four small holes with an awl, two at one end, the 
one above and the other beneath the suture, and the same: 
at the other end, uniting them by means of fine annealed 
wire. Cement may also be used with advantage in this oper- 
ation. The carapace may be cleaned with a [weak solution 
of nitric acid and water, washing it freely; afterwards it 
may be oiled and rubbed with a piece of flannel. 
Of crocodiles and lizards in general. — All of the smaller 
species should be preserved in spirits, of about 75 per cent 
strength. The larger of this group are skinned in the same 
manner as a quadruped; especial care is, however, required 
in skinning the tails, as they are very liable to break. But 
little preservative is needed, the skins being of a dry nature. 
They may also be stuffed in the same manner as a quadruped, 
and little skill is required to get them in shape. 
Of serpents. — With the larger specimens, such as cannot 
: readily preserved in alcohol, the following method should 
be adopted in removing the skin. Open the mouth to its 
utmost capacity and insert therein a stick to retain it in this 
position. With the aid of the scalpel sever the body from 
— the head within the skin, leaving no attachments whatever. 
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