94 
MANUAL OF TAXIDERMY. 
cut it in the form of the cartilage removed from 
the ear. Fasten wire into these pieces of lead with 
the ends protruding downward ; bore holes in the 
skull into which the ends are introduced, thus form- 
ing the support, and keeping the ears in proper 
position. Supply the muscles of the skull with 
excelsior and clay or papier-mache, then adjust 
the skin firmly and sew up. Fill the lips and nose 
with papier-mache or clay, and mould into shape. 
The above instructions, if followed, will give a 
mounted specimen, but I cannot convey the ideas 
which must teach the student the exact poise, the 
swell of the muscle, the exact shape of the eye 
which will give life and beauty to the subject in 
hand ; all these must come from patience, study, 
and long practice, for skilful taxidermists do not 
spring at once into existence, but require expe- 
rience and careful education. 
Section III. : Mounting Dried Skins of 
Mammals. — Skins of mammals must be soaked in 
a strong solution of alum water, and when perfectly 
soft see that the parts above the lips, eyes, etc., 
are peeled down quite thin, and that every portion 
of the skin is perfectly pliable, then it should be 
moistened as described. 
Section IV. : Mounting Mammals Without 
