THE WAY TO MOUNT BIRDS. 
41 
the point firmly clinched, and the end protruding back 
from the abdomen for three or four inches. This wire will 
sustain the bird. Always wire the feet in the usual way 
if the bird is to be mounted in the attitude of rest. In 
mounting other small birds, this method of wiring will an- 
swer when the bird is represented as flying. Large birds, 
when mounted in the attitude of flying, should be wired 
in the usual manner, with the wires that extend beyond 
the soles of the feet cut short ; then a wire is forced down 
through the back and clinched under the body, with the 
end pointing upward ; cut off this end so that it will pro- 
trude but a half-inch beyond the skin, then bend it under 
the feathers into the form of a hook or ring ; to this fasten 
a thread, and suspend the bird. To make the bird incline 
downward, place the wire well back; upward, farther for- 
ward, or nearer the head. Fine copper wire will answer 
to suspend large birds in this manner. In mounting a 
bird in this position, wuth the wings fully extended, care 
should be taken that they are properly arched. 
While arranging the wings, it is not convenient to keep 
the bird suspended, as it will not be sufficiently firm. 
Sharpen two stout wires and fasten them at both ends 
(Plate yill. Fig. 4, b, b), perpendicularly in a block of 
w^ood (a), parallel to each other, and about two inches 
apart. These wires should be at least four inches long. 
Bend about an inch and a half of the ends down, parallel 
with the block (c). Force these ends into the abdomen of 
the bird that is being mounted, and it will be firmly held 
in place while the different parts are being arranged, after 
which it can be suspended as described. 
Sometimes it is necessary to mount the skins of rare 
birds when they are badly decayed. To mount skins in 
this condition requires skill and patience, as well as a knowl- 
edge of their different parts. The manner in which I have 
mounted them is this : First, moisten the skin as de- 
