52 the taxidermist's guide. 



back in a contrary direction with the other hand, and the whole 

 bocty is then drawn out at the mouth. The legs are then returned 

 to their proper place. 



Stuffing. — The simplest method of stuffing these animals, is 

 with sand. A small funnel is placed into the mouth, and pour in 

 well dried sand. When full, a small piece of cotton is pushed into 

 the throat, with some of the cement, to keep the sand from escap- 

 ing on moving the animal. % 



The Frog is then placed on a board, and in an attitude. When 

 quite dry, give it a coat of varnish. When this has perfectly 

 dried, very small perforations are made under the belly with the 

 point of a needle, and the sand allowed to escape, leaving the body 

 in its natural form. 



These animals are liable to change of color from drying, and 

 should, therefore, be painted with the varnish to their natural 

 hues. There is less difficulty with Toads in this respect, as they 

 are usually of a brown color, and not liable to much change. 



They may be perfectly preserved in spirits. 



FISHES. 

 The best method of securing the scales and colors of Fish, is, as 

 soon as they are caught, to apply cambric or tissue paper to them, 

 which will soon dry and adhere firmly ; the body may be then 

 taken out and the skin dried. When the skin is to be stuffed, roll 

 it in a moist cloth, which will not only render it pliable, but also 

 soften the tissue paper, so as it can be removed, when the colors 

 will be found to be much brighter than by any other method with 

 which we are yet acquainted. 



LAMPREYS, EELS, AND OTHER FISH OF SIMILAR FORM. 



These species maybe skinned in the same manner as Frogs and 

 Toads, by drawing the body through the mouth. 



OF SKINNING FISH IN GENERAL. 



The fish should be procured as fresh as possible, more particu- 

 larly if it is one of those on which the scales are loosely attached. 

 Lay it on one side and cut the gills with a pair of scissors ; then 

 introduce a little tow or a piece of sponge into the place to pre- 

 vent the blood from flowing during the process of skinning ; let 

 the fins be raised and gently extended, and two pieces of paper, 



