8 
HINTS ON TAXIDERMY. 
body in tlie same manner as the leg wires. Stuff the tail to its proper 
dimensions, with cut tow, and carefully sew up the incision along the 
abdomen. Having prepared a board about three-quarters of an inch 
thick, pierce in it two holes at a proper distance apart for the reception 
of the leg wires (four holes would be needed if the animal were to stand 
upon all extremities) ; these must be drawn through upon the under side 
until the feet of the specimen rest close upon the upper surface, then 
they should be clinched, taking care that the wire does not protrude above 
the surface of the board as it renders the support unsteady. The different 
joints of the limbs can now be imitated by bending the wire at the proper 
points; also, a curve can be given to the back, and the tail can be set 
into proper position by simply bending the wires into the required shape. 
The eyes should now be placed in their position, a little putty having been 
previously inserted within the eyelid to serve as a cement. Care should 
be taken in arranging the eyelid, for the expression depends altogether 
upon this point. Clip off any superflous wire which may extend above 
the head with the wire cutters. The specimen should then be placed in 
some locality free from moisture and allowed to dry thoroughly, when it 
is complete for the cabinet. 
In mounting quadrupeds of large size the following formula should be 
pursued: — Procure a bar of wood, an inch thick and two inches broad, 
of a length equal to the distance between the shoulders and thighs; this 
should be placed within the skin, three holes having been previously 
made at one end, and two in the other, with a gimlet, for the reception of 
the various wires. This is used as a substitute for the central wire or 
body support. Having sharpened a piece of wire large enough to support 
the specimen firmly, force it down through the skull and neck, passing 
it through the gimlet hole ; when it appears on the under side bend the end 
into the form of a hook with the pincers, and drive it firmly into the wood. 
Next the fore-leg wires, well sharpened, should be forced up through the 
soles of the feet, and fixed into the bar of wood, in the same manner as the 
head support. Do the same with the hind leg wires, fastening them at the 
lower part of the bar. Lastly, the tail support should be placed in position, 
fastening it to the wooden bar. This completes the framework. A quantity 
of hay or moss should now be procured, and it is of the utmost importance 
that it should be thoroughly dry, otherwise the specimen is liable to mould. 
Commence filling the neck, keeping the wire in the centre of the material, 
and stuff downward to the fore-legs; these should then be restored to 
form, taking care to imitate the muscles of the shoulder. In working 
