MISCELLANEOUS PARTICULARS. 
47 
proportions are not yet presented, unless the quill is dry, colorless, and empty, or only occupied 
with shrunken wliite pith. 
Examination of the Stomach frequently leads to interesting observations, and is always 
worth while. In the first place, we learn most unquestionably the nature of the bird's food, 
which is a highly important item in its natural history. Secondly, we often secure valuable 
specimens in other departments of zoology, particularly entomology. Birds consume incal- 
culable numbers of insects, the harder kinds of which, such as beetles, are not seldom found 
intact in their stomachs ; and a due percentage of these represent rare and curious species. 
The gizzards of birds of prey, in particular, should always be inspected, in search of the small 
mammals, etc., they devour; and even if the creatures are unfit for preservation, we at least 
learn of their occurrence, perhaps unknown before in a particular region. MoUusk-feeding 
and fish-eating birds yield their share of specimens. The alimentary canal is often the seat of 
parasites of various kinds, interesting to the helminthologist ; other species are to be found 
under the skin, in the body of muscle, in the brain, etc. Most birds are also infested with 
external parasites of many kinds, so various that almost every leading species has its own sort 
of louse, tick, etc. Since these creatures are only at home with a live host, they will be found 
crawling on the surface of the plumage, preparing for departure, as soon as the body cools after 
death. There is thus much to learn of a bird aside from what the prepared specimen 
teaches, and moreover apart from regular anatomical investigations. Whenever practicable, 
brief items should be recorded on the label, as already mentioned. 
Restoration of Poor Skins. — If your cabinet be a general" one, comprising specimens 
from various sources, you will frequently happen to receive skins so badly prepared as to be 
unpleasant objects, besides failing to show their specific characters. There is of course no sup- 
plying of missing parts or plumage ; but if the defect be simply deformity, this may usually be 
in a measure remedied. The point is simply to relax the skin, and then proceed as if it were 
freshly removed fi:om the bird ; it is what bird-stuffers constantly do in mounting birds from 
prepared skins. The relaxation is effected by moisture alone. Remove the stuffing ; fill the 
interior with cotton or tow saturated with water, yet not dripping ; put pads of the same under 
the wings ; wrap the bill and feet, and set the specimen in a damp, cool place. Small birds 
soften very readily and completely ] the process may be facilitated by persistent manipulation. 
This is the usual method, but there is another, more thorough and more effective ; it is expo- 
sure to a vapor-bath. The appointments of the kitchen stove furnish all the apparatus 
required for an extempore " steamer; " the regular fixture is a tin vessel much like a wash- 
boiler, with closed lid, false bottom, and stopcock at lower edge. On the false bottom is 
placed a heavy layer of gypsum, completely saturated with water; the birds are laid on a 
perforated tray above it ; and a gentle heat is maintained over a stove. The vapor penetrates 
every part of the skin, and completely relaxes it, without actually wetting the feathers. The 
time required varies greatly of course ; observation is the best guide. The chief precaution 
is not to let the thing get too hot. Professor Baird has remarked that crumpled or bent 
feathers may have much of their original elasticity restored by dipping in hot water. Immer- 
sion for a few seconds suffices, when the feathers will be observed to straighten out. Shaking 
off superfluous water, they may be simply left to dry, or they may be dried with plaster. The 
method is chiefly applicable to the large feathers of the wings and tail. Soiled plumage of 
dried skins may be treated exactly as in the case of fresh skins. 
Mummification. — As before mentioned, decay may be an-ested by injections of carbolic 
acid and other antiseptics ; if the tissues be sufficiently permeated with these substances, the 
body will keep indefinitely; it dries and hardens, becoming, in short, a mummy." Injection 
