464 
WIRING BIRDS. 
then pass the uncovered end of neck wire into the opening, thence into tiie neck, 
and out the middle of the head through both skull and skin as shown in illustration 
(Fig. VI). Gently work the neck and body into position until the skin fits natu¬ 
rally over them* and the edges of the belly-opening meet. Now the legs must be 
wired. For this purpose use straight pieces of wire, never attempt to run a crooked 
Df) 
METHOD OF WIRING. 
A. Leg-wires. B. Tail-'ivire. C. Wing-vHres. D. Head-wire. 
or kinky wiref up the leg. To wire a leg start by pushing the sharp point of the 
wire in the center of the sole of the foot, and work it up along the back of the tarsus 
and shin (close to the bones) until it reaches beyond the free end of the tibia ; turn 
the leg inside out and wrap shin bones with tow to replace muscles removed, J then 
* Wire the wings of large birds, particularly if the specimen is to be mounted with spread wings, before 
the neck and body are inserted. For this purpose two wires are necessary; each one should be sharp¬ 
ened at both ends, and they must be sufficiently long to go through the body and clinch. Pass end of 
the wire from inside up the wing along side of the bones and out at carpal joint. Tie large wing-bones 
to wire, wrap arm-bones .vith tow and if the wings are to be spread stuff spaces between fore-arm bones 
with tow (clay will answer but it is heavy) and sew up neatly. Put in neck and body and fasten wing- 
wires in body. When mounting eagles, large hawks or owls with spread wings, a block of wood, about 
half as large as natural body, can be used in place of a body made of tow or excelsior. If a wooden 
block is employed, holes must be bored through it. and pass through these holes the wires for neck, 
wings, leg and tail and clinch the wires by hammering their points into the wood. 
t Kinks, in small wire, can betaken out by placing one end in a vice and pulling, or by drawing the 
wire beneath the sole of your boot or shoe and another hard surface. Hammer heavy wire until it is 
straight. 
$ It is not necessary to stuff legs of many small birds, but always stuff legs of large birds. 
