103 
of the ordinary method of closing thick beaks, states that this method is 
particularly valuable when the lower jaws are disarticulated from the 
skull in the process of cleaning it. 
Cross the legs about the middle of the tarsi, and attach them by 
tying on the label firmly with double or square knot, never with a half- 
hitch or slipknot that may loosen accidentally. The label should be tied 
with a string merely long enough that the label may easily be turned 
over. A label with too long a string is a nuisance, as it dangles and 
catches in its neighbours. Never fail to determine the sex accurately by 
dissection and mark it on the label before the body is thrown away 
(See page 117). The toes should be spread slightly and not left cramped 
together to dry, as it may be necessary to compare their lengths later. 
By the time a small bird is skinned the feet will generally be partly 
dried and if straightened out will remain in place without further attention. 
If not, bend them into shape a little later, before they are fully dry. 
Wrapping a Bird Skin 
All ordinary birds should be laid out in a fairly uniform manner. If 
the bird has a crest, like jays, cardinals, etc., the head should be turned 
to one side, usually with the left side uppermost, as skins are usually 
laid out in trays with heads to left, so that labels are in a position to be 
read from left to right (Figure 37). 
Unroll some fine, long-fibred cotton batting and peel off a thin layer 
large enough to wrap the bird (Figure 38). Lay the skin in the palm 
of the half-opened hand and gently press the wings in place, rolling the 
skin around and arranging wing coverts, scapulars, legs, and tail. If the 
skin is properly filled and connected, it will retain its shape sufficiently 
to be moulded symmetrically. Much of the success in “making” a bird 
skin depends upon skilful handling and wrapping at this stage. Lay 
the skin, back down, on the thin sheet of cotton and draw one corner 
Figure 38. Wrapping a bird skin with cotton. 
of the cotton layer up and backwards; and fold the other flap of the 
cotton to overlap on throat and breast. Turn the skin over and see that 
the wings come the same distance back and readjust if necessary. Arrange 
the legs and toes and see that the tail is in line with the body and the 
feathers spread in a natural position. If the tail has a tendency to 
become cramped, the feathers may be spread by slightly overlapping each 
