LOBSTEKS, CBAES, &C. 55 



shall be suspended from the ceiling, wire-books must be fastened 

 into the wood. From these must be placed upright wires, so that 

 they penetrate the skin, and pass through the back. Let the 

 whole internal surface of the skin be well rubbed with the pre- 

 servative. The body is then stuffed to its full size, and afterwards 

 sewed up. The stuffing of the head must be completed through 

 the orbits of the eyes, and also by the mouth. This finished, the 

 glass eyes are inserted, as in other animals, and fixed by means of 

 cement. 



Many species of fish have semi-transparent cartilages connected 

 with the eyes. These must be imitated with gumarabic and pow- 

 dered starch, as well as the cornea of the eyes. 



The skins of all fish, which are similar to that of sharks, must 

 be well supplied with spirits of turpentine, after they are mounted, 

 more particularly the head and fins ; but as they are not glossy 

 they do not require to be varnished. 



"When the fins are strong, it is necessary to keep them extended 

 by means of a wire introduced through them. 



In the Diadons, the chief thing to be attended to, beyond what 

 we have stated, is, to take care that the spines, with which their 

 skins are beset, are not broken or depressed in any way. 



Salmon, Trout, Tench, Carp, Pike, &c, are very easily preserved, 

 as the scales are firmly attached to the skin ; and although they 

 become somewhat dim from drying, their colors and brilliancy are 

 considerably restored by means of varnish, if applied before they 

 are thoroughly dried. 



After a lapse of time, the varnish will rise into little scales ; to 

 remove these, nitric acid, diluted in water, must be applied to the 

 whole external surface, which has the effect of completely taking 

 off the varnish, cr at least of raising it from the skin, which, 

 when allowed to dry, can be wholly remove d by rubbing it with 

 a small brush It may then be varnished again ; when dry, it will 

 ever afterwa;c> continue quite solid. 



What is above recommended will apply to almost all fishes. 



LOBSTERS, CRABS, &c. 

 In this class are included Crabs, Lobsters, and their congeners. 

 These animals are all protected by a coriaceous covering, or shell, 

 which is easily preserved, although there is considerable difficulty 

 in preserving the colors of some species. 



