6M MANUAL OF NATURAL HISTORY. 



dermis, but it is also requisite to retain the size and 

 shape of the tarsi which in those birds, form a very 

 prominent character. To preserve them, an opening 

 must be made down the back of the tarsis, and the 

 tendrons, &c, removed; some preservative is then 

 applied and the space filled up with cotton. The 

 edges of the skin need not be sewn together, but if 

 simply brought in contact, and the tarsi bandaged 

 with broad tape until they are dry, it will retain 

 its proper place and unsightly stitches be avoided. 



Birds with fleshy caruncles. — Such species are 

 numerous, and the caruncles vary much in form, so 

 that the operator must exercise his judgment in pre- 

 paring and stuffing them, of course endeavouring to 

 keep the opening as much out of sight as possible. 

 It will also be requisite to take accurate notes of the 

 colour of the naked skin, which in life is often very 

 intense, strongly contrasted and beautiful, but which 

 rapidly fades after death. 



Birds with tumid nostrils, as Pigeons. — As in 

 this Order the nostrils form a prominent feature, care 

 must be taken to preserve them of the proper size 

 and form. Make an incision from beneath into the 

 soft and tumid portion, and after applying a little 

 preservative, fill it out with cotton. 



Birds with fat skins. — Most water-birds, Petrels 

 especially, have a quantity of very oily fat beneath 

 the skin, which, without the greatest care, will 

 seriously soil the feathers ; to avoid which, the olea- 

 ginous matter must be absorbed as the skinning 

 process proceeds by using plaster of Paris, or placing 



