SKINNING. 23 



diately done, as it will easily dry, if in a warm climate ; but in 

 low, damp countries, it will require artificial heat to do it effect- 

 ually. 



When the skins arc merely wished preserved, the bones of the 

 legs and wings should be wrapped round with cotton or tow, so 

 as to supply the place of the flesh ; the skin is then inverted and 

 hung up to dry, after using the arsenical soap, as above directed ; 

 before doing w r hich, in larger birds, a thread or small string may 

 be drawn through the rump, and passed up the inside of the 

 neck, and drawn through the bill, to prevent the head from 

 stretching too much by its own weight. In larger specimens, 

 where cotton or tow is not easily to be met with, well dried hay 

 may be used. 



The incision for removing, the skin is frequently made under 

 the wings. This may be done with marine birds to advantage. 

 The Penguins and Divers may be skinned, by making the incision 

 in the back. 



The tongue should either be kept in the mouth, or sent home 

 separately with the birds. # 



The greatest care must be taken to prevent the fat and oily 

 matter, so common to sea-birds, from getting on the f e^thers : 

 pounded chalk will be found an excellent absorbent for applying 

 to these birds. 



In sending home specimens of birds, they should be each 

 wrapped in paper, and closely packed in a box ; and camphor, 

 preserving powder, and strong aromatics, strewed amongst them, 

 to prevent them from being attacked by insects ; and they ought 

 to be kept in a very dry part of the vessel. 



It is of the utmost consequence to know the color of the eyes 

 and legs of birds, and these things should be carefully noted the 

 moment they are killed ; and it should also be mentioned whether 

 they are male or female ; such a memorandum ought to be at- 

 tached to the birds by a ticket. The season of the year in which 

 the bird is killed, must also be mentioned. It is also of much con- 

 sequence to have good skeletons, and, for this purpose, the car- 

 cases may be sent home in a barrel, either in spirits or a strong so- 

 lution of salt and water. 



Mr. Salt, while in Abyssinia, packed his bird-skins between 

 sheets of paper, in the same manner as a hortus siccus, or herb- 



