13 
blowing out the contents. If they contain young, a larger hole 
on the side will permit its extraction. Of course, very great 
care will be necessary in packing the eggs. 
The notes on the nest and eggs should, if possible, state the 
name of the bird to which they belong, where usually built, 
the usual number of eggs in a nest, and such other matter as 
may be deemed relevant or interesting. 
REPTILES. 
Turtles and Tortoises require, first, the separation of the 
breast from the back shell, which must be done by means of a 
knife or chisel, care being taken not to fracture the shells. Di¬ 
vide the other integuments, and remove the flesh and soft parts 
in the body, extremities, and head as clean as possible ; anoint 
or rub with a preservative. Stuff slightly the extremities and 
neck, and unite the shells, by wrapping or by boring one or two 
small holes in each side and tying them together. 
Crocodiles and Alligators are skinned much in the same 
manner as quadrupeds, and should be treated in the same way. 
Lizards require some care at the tail, as this member is easily 
separated from the body. 
Serpents may be skinned: though they require care to pre¬ 
vent injury to the scales: by an opening along the sides. The 
scales should never be divided, as they are important in desig¬ 
nating species. Some caution is also necessary about the head 
of those that are venomous, on account of their fangs. The 
brain is removed, and the head cleaned in the same manner 
as in birds. The skin should be anointed or rubbed with some 
preservative, and may then, or after having dried, be rolled 
up. There is nothing in the skin to be retained except the 
head. 
Frogs and Toads are prepared by opening the mouth, cut¬ 
ting the first vertebra, removing the whole inside of the 
mouth, which is best done with a pair of scissors; then raising 
up the jaws, and drawing the whole body out at the mouth. 
The bones of the leg are then denuded, and anointed or rub¬ 
bed, and rolled, and returned to their natural position. And 
the body and mouth anointed and stuffed. 
