BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [6] 
SPECIAL POINTS. 
Embracing the uj)per part of the windpipe and connecting it with the 
base of the skull is a series 
of bones known as the hyoid 
apparatus. This should be 
carefully saved. 
There are usually small 
bones, termed sesamoids, em- 
bedded in the tendons, where 
they play over the under 
sides of the toes, and on this 
account the tendons should 
never be cut off close to the 
bone. 
There are often one or 
two small bones on the back 
lower portion of the thigh 
bonej these should be left 
in place. 
In preparing the skeletons of rabbits particular attention should be 
given to the shoulder blade, as this has a slender projection at the lower 
end, which extends some distance backward. 
The male organ of a great many quadrupeds, as the raccoon, is pro- 
vided with a bone. As it is difficult to say when this may or may 7iot 
be present, it should always be looked for, and when found left attached 
to the hip bones. 
CETACEANS : PORPOISES, BLACKFISH, ETC. 
Porpoise skeletons are very easily prepared, but one or two points, 
such as the slender cheek bones and the pelvic bones or rudimentary 
hind limbs, require special care. 
Pio. 4. — Ski leton of a Porpoise, the dotted lines showing where the cnts should he made in dividing 
the skeleton. 
Fig. 2.— Tongue bones 
or hyuid of a Dog. 
Fig. 3.— Right shoulder blade 
of a Rabbit, showing the back- 
wardly projecting piocess. 
