198 THE AMERICAN MOOSE 



papier-mache and putty, and the composition has 

 the stability of the former with the plastic quahty 

 of the latter. The modeling of the manikin will 

 of course be a severe test of the taxidermist's 

 skill. The skin should be applied to the manikin 

 dry, and should be held in place by means of 

 shellac, or by some cement which is free from 

 water. Such work requires time and care, and is 

 bound to be more expensive than when the ordinary 

 commercial methods are employed, but it is 

 permanent, and if the modeling is skillfully done it 

 is lifelike. Heads thus mounted represent the 

 farthest advance in taxidermy yet reached. This 

 process is new, and its details have not been 

 published. Mr. Akeley is not engaged in com- 

 mxercial work, but he will willingly answer any 

 questions from sportsmen or taxidermists. 



There are various minor by-products of a suc- 

 cessful moose-hunting trip, in addition to the 

 familiar and cumbersome inkstands, made from 

 the forefeet of the animal. Napkin rings may be 

 made from the main beam of a stray antler which 

 is not to be mounted with the head for a wall 

 decoration. The beam should not measure less 

 than Gyi inches in circumference if it is to be used 

 in this way. Such a napkin ring, which has been 



