8 
THE NATURALISTS’ JOURNAL. 
THE PRACTICAL NATURALIST. 
Under this heading we propose to give a series of papers on 
collecting, preserving, &c., specimens for the cabinet. Con¬ 
tributions are wished for upon several subjects—for informa¬ 
tion address the Editor. 
SKINNING AND MOUNTING BIRDS. 
By the Editor. 
The following directions are only for making up skins of 
birds; instructions for mounting specimens for a case will be 
given in next month’s issue. For the purpose of study or for 
exchange, &c., birds are very much better kept in skins, they 
can be laid in drawers or in glass cases; and in this state 
occupy very little space, and are also readily examined. 
The tools and materials necessary before the amateur can 
commence skinning operations are few in number, and of the 
simplest description. A good penknife with two blades, large 
and small, which should always be kept as sharp as razors; 
a pair of strong toilet scissors. A small dissecting scalpel (this 
is very serviceable), but a good substitute may be found in a 
slip of hard wood, half an inch wide, and tapering to a thin 
edge at one end, which should be rounded; a pair of “neck- 
forceps,” for introducing tow or cotton into the neck, are very 
useful, but a pair of old curling tongs will answer the purpose, 
or even a piece of wood, which should be pointed at one 
extremity; needles and thread are also necessary. I may 
add that the whole of the above articles may be obtained 
from most of the natural history dealers for the sum of four 
or five shillings. There will also be required a quantity of 
cotton wool for stuffing—or tow if preferred—and a tin of 
preservative. For this latter I would recommend the non- 
poisonous preservative soap,* which is no more expensive 
than the arsenical soap—the latter, however, is a good preser¬ 
vative, and easily obtainable. 
Having now procured all the requisites, the subject itself 
must be obtained. This, I may remark, should not be too 
small a bird to commence with—a rook is a very good 
subject for a beginner. Examine well the shape and size 
of the bird before commencing, and make a note of the colour 
of the iris of the eye, the tarsi, (or feet) and any bare skin about 
the beak or head. If there are any blood-stains or soiling 
matter about the plumage they may be removed by washing 
with a rag or sponge dipped in benzine. Pass a needle and 
* A good preparation is sold by Messrs. Watkins and Doncaster, of 36, Strand, 
London, W.C. 
