ADDRESS OF DR. J. B. HOLDER. 
4:5 
tive, sent forth an example a step further towards the ideal. We 
see how in this way our artists have taken up the hints, and how 
well they have been able to handle them for the extension of 
their art. The lack of really good models has been one means 
to retard the best efforts. Wilson’s plates were among the first 
models, but unfortunately the figures were not always happily 
posed ; the characteristic attitudes and the certain peculiar ana- 
tomical features, that give expression, in some instances, sui gen- 
eris^ were not observed or embraced in the engraving. The result 
is a sameness in appearance and lack of natural attitudes. 
Audubon’s figures were too expensive to be generally avail- 
able — more ’s the pity — for though there is much in his display 
of attitudes that seem in a measure outre^ or over-strained, yet 
doubtless there is very much of nature in them. It is quite 
likely that such works as Wood’s, Brehm’s, Cassel’s, and others 
like them, have had an extended influence for good, the most of 
the figures being admirably drawn. 
Of course we look for a goodly amount of observation and 
record from personal field duty. Many of our artists are fami- 
liar with the gun, and look to the seaside and woodland for their 
material. The characteristics and habits of birds and quadrupeds 
are observed, and notes made from time to time, which should be 
of immense advantage to the practical taxidermist. We could 
wish to see every artist provided with a portfolio, in which he 
may enter every scrap of drawing or engraving which may apper- 
tain to his art. Better, we would gladly see him storing his port- 
folio with sketches from his own pencil. Most persons can learn 
the art of drawing ; and we are glad to know that the very spe- 
cies and degree of intellect and talent that makes the good taxi- 
dermist also makes him a natural draughtsman, or one capable of 
being taught. Indeed, the art of taxidermy is now so well de- 
veloped, its possibilities are so thoroughly known, that it be- 
hooves him who would be a successful follower to exercise all his 
best faculties. Most superior results, most exquisite, most sur- 
prising modelling of pelt and feather are now common in the 
rooms of not a few American taxidermists. There can be no 
success in lagging behind. 
There would seem to be much in the art of modelling in clay 
