7 
once. In this condition, the skm of the animal is nearly in¬ 
verted, in which condition it should be left to dry completely, 
if the operator have no materials with him for preserving it. 
If, on the contrary, he should have such material, he will 
proceed to anoint all the bones, and the skin covering them in¬ 
teriorly, or on the fleshy side, with the arsenical soap.* The 
bones of the extremities are then to be wrapped with so much 
flax, hemp, tow, or other light material, as will give the skin 
some distension on being drawn over it. The skin of the head 
is also to be brought to its natural position ; the tail to have 
its interior well anointed with the soap, and then filled slight¬ 
ly by the same material; the interior of the skin of the body 
anointed, and slightly stuffed; the edges of the incision care¬ 
fully brought together, and tlie operation is completed. It is 
well, however, to introduce some of the soap into the mouth, 
and to allow the skin to remain some days exposed before 
packing. 
Common salt, powdered alum, and even wood ashes, may 
be used to rub upon the skin if the collector should not have 
the arsenical soap. If, however, he have none of these, it may 
be necessary, if the weather is warm, to lay the tail open to 
dry, rather than risk the loss of a valuable skin. When the 
collector has no preservative materials to aid him, he should 
not roll up and pack away the skin until perfectly dry. 
It should have been remarked, that before commencing the 
* To make arsenical soap. 
Arsenic in powder - - - - - 1 lb. 
Camphor ------ 2^ ounces. 
White soap - - - - - - 1 lb. 
Salt of tartar ----- 6 ounces. 
Powdered lime ----- 2 ounces. 
Cut the soap into small, thin slices, place it in a crucible with a small quantity 
of water over a slow tire, and stir it frequently with a wooden spatula. When 
melted, the lime and salt of tartar must be added, and well mixed. Then remove 
from the tire, and add the arsenic gently, and stir. Reduce the camphor with a 
small quantity of spirits of wine, and add it, mixing the whole well with the wood¬ 
en spatula, and whilst off the fire. It may be heated again, gently, to secure a 
more perfect mixture ; but much care is necessary, as the camphor rapidly evapo¬ 
rates. It is then to be removed, and poured into earthen or leaden vessels, and 
carefully secured. It should be handled with care, as it is a violent poison—a 
brush or mop should be used in applying it. When it becomes thick, it may be 
thinned with water. 
