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MANUAL OF TAXIDERMY. 
quills, thus keeping them apart ; though even then 
the clamp should be used. If a convex or concave 
tail is desired, bind the cross-piece in a corre- 
sponding manner. I do not, as a rule, recommend 
binding freshly-skinned birds, nor do I consider it 
necessary excepting in instances where feathers 
are rough. If a bird be properly mounted a few 
more clamps on the wings will keep it in form ; 
then the feathers can be made to stand out as 
they do in nature, not lie down close to the body 
as if the birds were badly frightened. This is 
particularly noticeable with owls ; a perfectly 
happy and contented owl, who is pursuing his 
vocations, has apparently a body nearly or quite 
twice the diameter of one that is frightened. 
Section III. : Crested Birds. — If a bird has a 
crest it should be raised by gently pulling forward 
the skin, where it will remain in position after it is 
neatly arranged ; but in case of a dried skin, it may 
be necessary to prop the crest up with a piece of 
cotton, moulded on the head of a pin, the point of 
which is sunk into the head. 
Section IV. : Mounting with Wings Spread. 
— In skinning for spread wings, leave in the 
humerus as well as the forearm, and do not 
detach the quills, as already mentioned. Wire the 
