Bird Skinning and Mounting. 23 



make the incision along the back instead of the 

 belly, the ventral feathers thus presenting a 

 smoother appearance. 



MAKING A SKIN. 



After a skin has been poisoned and dressed, it 

 may be " made " by inserting into each eye- 

 socket, through the neck, with the knitting- 

 needle, a little ball of cotton. Then make a 

 little roll of cotton and insert it into the neck ; 

 one end in the cavity of the skull, the other just 

 appearing at the end of the neck. Some col- 

 lectors at this point fasten the wings to the 

 sides, by taking a stitch through them with 

 needle and thread. Before doing this, be sure 

 that the wings are in the right place. Take a 

 piece of cotton about one-half the size of the 

 bird's body, and by turning in the edges make 

 it into an oblong ball, corresponding to the body 

 just removed. Place this in the skin with the 

 forceps, and before letting go with the thumb 

 and forefinger press the wings together on the 

 back, placing the fingers under the wings. Now 

 draw the edges of the skin together, and making 



