FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. 



REPORTS, PLATE LXIV. 



BUILT-IN HOLLOW MANIKIN METHOD FOR MOUNTING SMALL MAMMALS. 



The initial step is to wire the specimen as though the ordinary method of mount- 

 ing were to be followed. The inside of the skin is then given a coating of poison 

 paste and immediately afterwards the composition is put in and modelled. The 

 most satisfactory composition used so far is one made of library paste, water, and a 

 pinch of arsenic, to which is added whiting and sufficient chopped tow to make the 

 mixture of the proper consistency for modelling but nevertheless sticky. The cavity 

 in the manikin is then lined with cloth and filled with sawdust, which, when the 

 specimen is dry, is removed by means of the plug (p) inserted in the end of the body, 

 or in the side, if the animal is to be in a recumbent position. Depressions in the 

 anatomy are maintained by the use of insect pins, which are cut ofE flush when the 

 skin has adhered properly to the manikin. The legs of very small mammals may 

 be filled wholly with composition, as is shown in the figure (c), but the legs of larger 

 mammals should have a wrapped core. The tail wire (t) is merely wrapped with 

 cotton to secure the required thickness. The advantage of this hollow manikin 

 method is that the mounted specimen is light, very durable and almost indestructible. 

 (Originated and used by Leon L. Pray.) 



