SKINNING, PRESERVING, AND MOUNTING FISH, ETC. 179 



needle ; then commence, travelling downward, to sew the skin 

 together, taking care to go inward a sufficient distance from the 

 cut edges with the needle and thread, and yet not allowing the 

 edges of the skin to overlap. 



This requires patience, and a little coaxing together of the 

 edges of the skin. As you go on, see where your fish appears 

 out of shape on the upper side, which is a pretty good guide — • 

 but not always so — for the under, or show side. If the defect is 

 serious, insert a little more putty, followed by a judicious 

 application of tow, which will push the putty to the under side 

 where you most require it. 



It is sometimes expedient, after having sewn half-way down 

 to begin to sew up from the tail end, so as to meet the other 

 stitches. A fine " skin " needle must be used. 



After it is entirely stitched up there will still be little places 

 which wiJl require deepening and filling up. A little tow, 

 pushed in any interstices which may be left between the stitches, 

 will soon rectify this, and also help to shorten the fish, which, in 

 a first attempt, is almost sure to be made too long. This is im- 

 portant, as a well-fed pike should be of some considerable depth, 

 and not a lanky monster like a snake. A little gentle tapping 

 with the handle of the stuff er on the upper surface is sometimes 

 advisable. Get the back almost straight, and, having brought it 

 nearly to your measurements, you may lift the fish by the two 

 wires, but in a very careful manner, to examine the show side,. 

 and there note any little defect. Of course, you must constantly 

 alter your position. 



Carefully lift the fish off the board, still keeping the sewn side- 

 uppermost, and measure the distance between the two upright 

 wires, and make corresponding holes in the board, which push 

 down on the top of the fish, bringing the wires through, 

 and bending their ends down upon the board, so that the 

 specimen may be temporarily rivetted thereto. Place your 

 hand carefully underneath the head of the fish, and turn the 

 board over. You have now the fish right side uppermost. 

 About the head some little extra stuffing will doubtless be 

 required, and, as the putty will have got a little out of place 

 in the process, it must be replaced, and the head and neck 

 made up nice and square ; also look to the tail, and put that in 



