24 
HINTS ON TAXIDERMY. 
of birdlime and in springes, and specimens secured by these 
means are best for preservation. 
The method of skinning a bird .— One of the most important 
points of taxidermy, is a correct knowledge of the method of skin¬ 
ning a bird, so that when the operation is finished, the skin may 
be as perfect as possible and free from all stains. It is impossible 
for any one to mount a specimen neatly and artistically, from a 
soiled or mutilated skin. There are many instances, however, in 
which it may be necessary to mount poor skins from their rarity ; 
these should never be rejected,, for a specimen badly stuffed is 
better than none at all, and will answer until a more perfect one 
can be obtained. There are two things essential to success, viz., 
patience and practice ; and a good store of both will enable one to 
preform the operation with ease and dispatch. Care should al¬ 
ways be taken not to stretch the skin, in order that its natural di¬ 
mensions may be preserved. 
Before proceeding to work, provide yourself with a cup of 
Indian-meal, cotton, needle and thread, scalpel and preservative. 
In the first place examine the bird, and if any spots of blood be 
discovered, sprinkle them with Indian-meal, and rub it back and 
forth with the fingers, supplying fresh meal from time to time ; 
this will remove it entirely. If the blood be dry, apply a little 
warm water with a sponge, and wash the spot gently. In this 
manner I have cleaned the entire breast af a bird stained with 
blood. If any of the feathers are bent, they may be restored to 
position by immersing them in warm water. Remove the cotton 
from the mouth, nostrils and vent, and replace it with fresh stuf¬ 
fing. A piece of small but strong twine should now be passed 
from one nostril through the other on the opposite side, and 
bringing the ends downward tie them beneath the lower mandible, 
leaving them a little longer than the neck of the bird. This will 
aid the operator in turning the head back to its natural position 
after the operation of skinning has been finished. Now take an 
accurate measurement from the tip of the bill to the end of the 
tail; also the girth of the bod}' behind the wings. The bird is 
then ready for the operation. Placing it upon its back with the 
tail turned towards your right hand, with the left separate the 
feathers from the lower extremity of the breastbone, quite down 
to the vent, laying them to the right and left so that the skin be¬ 
neath is visible. Place the scalpel upon the lower tip of the 
