34 



THE TAXIDERMIST'S QUIDE. 



representing the neck, 5, the body, and c, the junction of the tail, 

 allowing sufficient length of neck for the wire to pass some distance 

 beyond the head, and being sharpened at each end, which may 

 be done by obliquely cutting it with the plyers. Wind upon this 

 wire hemp to the size of the bird's body, which you should have 

 lying by 3'ou to judge from, and it will present something of this 

 appearance. You can shape it with the hand, but be careful not 

 to make it the least too large ; and, after you have finished it to 

 your satisfaction, you may singe it, as the poulterer would singe 

 a fowl, which will make all neat ; but be particular to wind the 



Fig. 11. 



Wire Bent for Inserting. 



hemp very tight. Then take the skin, lay it on the table on its 

 back, and pass the wire at the head into the marrow where the 



Fig. 12. 



The Hemp Wound on the Wire. 



neck is cut off, through above the roof of the mouth, and out at 

 one nostril, and draw it up close to the skull ; turn the skin back, 

 and draw it down over the hemp body, and pass the wire spike, 

 protruding at the lower end, through the flesh upon which the 

 tail grows, about the centre, and rather below than above. The 

 skin may now be adjusted to the hemp body, and sewn up, be- 

 ginning from the top of the^breast, and being particularly careful 



