MANNER OF COLLECTING ANIMALS. 83 



When a bird is killed, a small quantity of dry dust is to be put 

 on the wound. For this purpose the feathers must be raised with 

 a pin, or a gun-picker, close to the wound. The bill of the bird 

 should have a small quantity of cotton or flax introduced into it 

 to prevent the blood from flowing, and spoiling the plumage. The 

 feathers must be all adjusted, and the bird then placed on the 

 ground to allow the blood to coagulate. Every specimen should 

 be placed in a piece of paper of the form of a hollow cone, like 

 the thumb bags used by grocers. The head should be introduced 

 into this, the paper should then be closed around the bird, and 

 packed in a box filled with moss, dried grass or leaves. 



Birds taken alive in nets and traps are to be preferred to others 

 for stuffing, and also those caught by birdline, which must be re- 

 moved by spirits of wine. 



Birds should always be skinned the same day they are killed, 

 or next day atf ar thest, particularly in Summer ; as there is a dan- 

 ger of putrefaction ensuing, by which the feathers will fall off. 

 However, in Winter there is no danger for some days ; but in 

 tropical climates they must be prepared soon after they are killed. 

 The same observations apply generally to quadrupeds. 



Bats and Owls are caught during the day, in the hollows of 

 aged trees, in the crevices of walls, and ruins of buildings. 

 These are animals which, it may be presumed, are still little 

 known in consequence of their nocturnal habits. 



Those who prepare for the chase, with the intention of preserv- 

 ing animals, should take care to provide themselves with imple- 

 ments necessary for fulfilling the objects advantageously. The 

 articles most needful are one or two pairs of large pincers, scis- 

 sors, forceps, scalpels, knives, needles, thread, and a small hatchet, 

 as well as one or more cannisters of preserving powder, some pots 

 of arsenical soap, or arsenical composition, and some bottles of 

 spirit of turpentine. Cotton may be employed in stuffing the 

 skins, and therefore a considerable quantity should always b * 

 taken along with the naturalist. In parts of Asia and Afrit-, 

 where this cannot be procured, tow must be employed, or old 

 ropes teazed down; and where even this cannot be found, dried 

 grass and moss may be used. M. Le Vaillant used a species of 

 dog-grass while in Africa, which is very abundant in that country ; 

 and it answered the purpose remarkably well. 



