16 Handbook of Taxidermy. 



The best and only safe preparation is : — 



n. 



Arsenic. 



Pulverized Alum. Equal parts. 



Mix. 

 Label : Poison ! ! 



The arsenic is to poison, and the alum to act 

 as an astringent, especially in setting the feathers 

 and fur of skins partially decayed. As arsenic is 

 an irritant poison, great care should be taken 

 while using. See that the hands are free from 

 all scratches, cuts, hang-nails, and broken skin. 

 These may be covered with court-plaster or col- 

 lodium. Wash the hands immediately after 

 using, and be careful to clean well under the 

 nails. With these precautions there is little or 

 no danger, and it may be used with the greatest 

 impunity. Avoid all so-called " arsenical soaps," 

 as they are both dangerous and disagreeable to 

 handle. Use nothing but the above receipts, and 

 you will succeed far better. Having all these 

 materials and implements at hand, we are now 

 prepared to go on with o.ur work. 



