Skeletons. 49 



CHAPTER VL 



SKELETONS. 



During the busy collecting season, rough 

 skeletons may be made by removing skin, vis- 

 cera, and as much muscle as possible, covering 

 the body with the arsenic-alum powder, and 

 allowing it to dry, when the specimen may be 

 wrapped in paper and laid away for future use. 

 To prepare skeletons for the cabinet, remove as 

 much of the fleshy parts as possible, and boil the 

 bones until the remaining flesh is softened and 

 can be easily removed. Then boil in water in 

 which a piece of lime as large as a hen's egg has 

 been dissolved. Remove, dry, and if necessary 

 wire. 



Another way recommended is to remove all 

 the soft parts, and scald the hard parts in boil- 

 ing water containing a few drops of hydrochloric 

 acid. Leave the bones in this solution for ten 



