28 Handbook of Taxidermy. 



this stick, first rub the wire with a piece of 

 beeswax. This, I think, makes a better neck, 

 and is less liable to misshape and contort the 

 skin. 



Now push the leg wire through the sole of the 

 foot, and run it along the leg-bone up through 

 the leg. Great care must be taken not to break 

 the tarsus or run the wire through the loose skin 

 w T hich envelops the leg so as to tear it. Repeat 

 on the other leg. Now wind a little splint of 

 tow around the bone and wire of each leg. This 

 will require some practice, but once acquired it 

 is very easy. Place the body in the skin, and 

 with a twisting motion run the wire out through 

 the top of the head. Gently draw the skin over 

 the body until it is about half way in. Then run 

 the leg wires through the body, a little front of 

 the middle and a trifle higher up. When the 

 wire appears through the other side, seize it 

 with the twisters, and bending it into a hook, 

 draw it firmly into the body. Repeat on the 

 other side. Now work the body entirely into 

 the skin, by bending lengthwise the legs, and 

 gently sliding them on the wires. This done, 



