94 ttie taxidermist's guide. 



be poured into glazed earthen pots, and allowed to cool, after 

 which a piece of paper should be placed over the top, and after- 

 wards some sheep leather ; and then set aside for use. The com- 

 position is about the thickness of ordinary flour paste. 



When it is necessary to use the soap, put as much as will an- 

 swer the purpose into a preserve pot, and add to it about an equal 

 proportion of water. This is applied to the skin or feathers with a 

 bristle brush. 



N.B. It should be kept as close as possible, and used with cau- 

 tion, as it is a deadly poison. 



The above is the receipt made use of at the Jardin des Plantes, 

 Paris. 



Mr. Laurent's Receipt 

 A distinguished French naturalist, Laurent, recommends the 

 following composition, after ten years experience, for preserving 

 the skins of stuffed animals. He observes, at the same time, that 

 it penetrates them with greater readiness, and preserves them 

 much better than any preparation which has hitherto been in use. 



Arseniate of Potash - - -2 drachms. 



Sulphate of Alumine, - - - 2 do. 



Powdered Camphor, - * - 2 do. 



White Sca;^, powdered, - - - -J oz. 



Spirits of Wine, - - - - 6 oz. 



Essence of Thyme, - - - 3 drops. 



The arseniate of potash, sulphate of alumine, and soap, are to 

 be placed in a phial, with a large mouth, and the spirits of wine 

 to be poured on them, at a heat of twenty-five degrees, and they 

 will be perfectly combined in twenty-four hours. The essenco 

 of thyme is then added, when the phial must be parefully corked. 

 This composition is to be shaken together, before it is made use 

 of, and it must be spread over the skin of the animal or bird with 

 a brush. 



SOLUTION OF PEARL-ASHES. 



Two ounces of pearl-ash to one gallon of water. 



ANNEALED IRON WIRE. 



Take common iron wire, make it red hot, and suffer it to cool 

 gradually ; this renders it soft and pliable, so that it may be easily 

 bent in any direction. 



