82 
MANUAL OF TAXIDERMY. 
Mix well until it is of the consistency of putty, 
when it is ready for use. 
In making a twig for an ordinary perch, fasten 
a moderately stout wire in a wooden base ; wind it 
with cotton, larger at the base, tapering toward 
the end ; bend it in a position and cover with a 
layer of papiermache, then with a comb indicate 
the ridges in the bark of a tree, and add knots and 
excrescences as desired, by moulding small pieces 
with the fingers. Set aside to dry for a few 
days. If the papier-mache cracks it does not con- 
tain a sufficient quantity of glue, or if it shrinks 
too much, more ashes or plaster should be added. 
When dry paint with water-colors, made by adding 
dry paint to dissolved white glue, stirring until the 
mixture becomes of the consistency of cream. 
A quarter of a pound of glue will take up a pound 
of paint. Cover the bottom of the stand with this 
paint, or with some other color, then sprinkle 
profusely with smalt or mica sand. When dry, 
add artificial leaves to the branches by winding 
the stems around them. Trim the bottom of the 
stand with mosses and grass fastened on with 
glue. Stands for cases are made in a similar 
manner, but it is an improvement to touch the 
ground-work here and there with dry paint of 
