270 
ox THE OLASSIPIOATION OF EIRDS. 
double the length of the natural one, since the lower 
half will be in the middle of the back, and supply the 
place of the vertebra, or back bone. Let this false neck 
be rolled round between the hands, and then insert it 
upwards to the roof of the mouth, by means of the 
forceps : if possible, push it so firmly into the skull at 
this part that it will take a slight hold, then draw down 
the neck to its natural length by means of the other end 
of the tow ; this will obviate the great defect of speci- 
mens prepared by beginners where the neck is so much 
stretched that it becomes double the true length : this 
defect is caused by pushing the tow or cotton upwards, 
in small hits instead of one entire piece, the latter 
enabling the operator to shorten or lengthen the skin at 
his own 'pleasure, just as any one can shorten or 
lengthen a stocking upon his leg. This done, take a 
needle of moderate size, with some silk, and commence 
sewing up the skin in a zigzag direction, always passing 
the needle from the inside to the out, a mode by which 
all entanglement from the feathers will be prevented. 
From the point wdiere the first incision of the skin was 
made, begin to put in more stuffing (cotton is perhaps the 
best), that the breast and body may have the plumpness of 
the natural size : care must be taken, however, not to fill it 
too much, for when once the skin is too much stretched, 
and becomes dry, it can never be reduced, whereas it 
may always be stretched hereafter by any subsequent 
process used for softening or relaxing the skin, if it is to 
be mounted : for this reason it is preferable to stuff the 
fresh skin rather below tha n above the natural bulk. 
After sewing up the skin, in the manner directed, to 
within an inch of the vent, there is no need to proceed 
farther. The opening then left will be sufficient for 
inserting the forceps, and either adding to or diminish- 
ing the quantity of stuffing. After adjusting the legs, 
according to the rule already mentioned, and bringing 
the wings to their natural position, your bird will be 
finished. If the two mandibles of the bill are not even, 
or gape, bring them together by passing a needle, with 
