32 Handbook of Taxidermy. 



become soft and pliable ; the eyes inserted in 

 putty, and the lids carefully adjusted over them. 

 The protruding head wire and the pins in the 

 wings are cut off, and your bird mounted on 

 the perch which you have already prepared 

 for it. 



WINGS AND TAIL. 



Wings may be spread by running a wire 

 through the primaries (Fig. 1, A) into the body, 

 and placing another near the end of the wing as 

 a support while drying. The tail may be spread 

 by running a wire through the quills, near the 

 "pope's nose " (Fig. 2, E), or by placing a bit of 

 split wood across the tip and tying the open end 

 firmly (Fig. 3, L). Crests may be raised or spread 

 by inserting a small fluff, or ball of cotton under 

 the feathers, using a pin to hold them in place. 



When glass eyes are not at hand, black beads 

 may be used. Or white glass beads may have a 

 pupil (black) surrounded by the iris (yellow or 

 brown) painted with oil colors on the back. If 

 neither of the ab6ve can be procured, a half 

 globe of the right size may be cut out of cork or 



