8 THE taxidermist's guide. 



suspended by the hind-quarters, while the skin is stripped by pul- 

 ling it gently and cutting towards the fore-quarters. The fore 

 legs are separated from the body, as the hind ones had been, close 

 to the shoulder-bone, and the skin fairly pulled over the head and 

 close to the nose, when the head is separated from the body by 

 cutting through the last vertebrae of the neck. Reynard is nuw 

 skinned, the head, legs, and tail being all attached to the skin, 

 from which the carcase is separated. 



The flesh is now cut entirely away from the cheek-bones v the 

 eyes removed, the brains taken out by enlarging the occipital 

 opening behind the cranium, the whole cleaned and supplied with 

 a coating of arsenical paste, and stuffed with tow or wool, to the 

 natural size. 



The legs are now successively skinned by pushing out the bones 

 and inverting the skin ov<er them until the foot-joint is visible ; 

 every portion of flesh and tendons must be cut away, and the bone 

 cleaned thoroughly, and a coating of arsenical soap laid over it 

 as well as the skin. Wrap tow, or cotton, or any other suitable 

 material, round the bone, bringing it to its natural shape, and 

 draw the skin over it again. Do this to each leg in succession, 

 and the body itself is ready for stuffing and mounting. 



The utmost care will not prevent accidents ; the fur and plum- 

 age will get sullied, and before stuffing it is well to examine the 

 skin, for stains and spots are calculated to deteriorate its appear- 

 ance. Grease or blood-spots may be removed by brushing over 

 with oil of turpentine, which is afterwards absorbed by dusting 

 plaster of Paris over. Macgillivray recommends that all skins, 

 whether they are to be put away in a cabinet or stuffed, should 

 receive a washing of spirits of turpentine sprinkled on, and 

 gently brushed in the direction of the feathers or fur. Not to 

 trust too much to memory, it is desirable to measure and note the 

 proportions of the animal before skinning, first taking the muz- 

 zle to the tail. Afterwards, from the junction of the tail to the 

 tip. Secondly, from the middle of the shoulder-blade, or scapula, 

 to the articulation of the femur, or thigh-bone. Thirdly, the ani- 

 mal being placed on its side, measure from the upper part of the 

 scnpula to the middle of the sternum— that is, to the spot where 

 the two sides meet above, and finally from the socket of the 

 scapula to the socket of the articulation of the femur, or thigh. 



