less
than $1.00. Two to four at one place, 75c. each, and over four, 50c.
This for poisoning only. Extra charges for killing moth. Such work
should be done in spring or early summer in the Central States in order
to be effective.

CHAPTER XII.

MAKING ANIMAL FUR RUGS.

Probably the first use (after clothing) made of skins was as rugs or
coverings for the ground or couches, and in this shape they are still to
be found in our most elegantly furnished homes. One of the few survivals
of primitive tastes.

The skins of some few animals such as Polar and Grizzly Bears, Tiger,
Jaguar, Lion, Puma, Leopards and Ocelots are used for little else,
though some of the spotted cats are used for eccentric looking coats and
fur sets. Other smaller skins such as wolf, fox, 'coon, wild cat, etc.
are much in favor as rugs as well as for garment furs.

In skinning an animal for use as a rug it is as well to skin and stretch
it open, cut under side of body from chin to the end of tail and from
each foot down to the central line. A large animal like bear or leopard
looks well with the paws preserved and they should be skinned down to
the last joint, leaving the claws attached to the skin. Smaller skins
may have the paws preserved, though the effect is hardly worth the
trouble and the smaller paws are easily crushed on the floor by a chance
step.

After skinning, using care to detach it from the head without mutilating
the ears, eyes and lips, stretch flat on an inside wall, door, or table
top. Stretch evenly with tacks or small nails close together to avoid
drawing out in points and of the approximate shape of the finished rug.
That is, with the front feet well forward and hind feet pointing back,
not spread as wide as possible.

If you are intending to dress the skin it may be begun at once after
skinning, as per the chapter on tanning, etc., or after fleshing it may
be put in the pickle jar against a leisure day. Otherwise stretch and
dry for transportation or to send to the tanner.

[Illustration: HALF HEAD.

HEAD WITH TEETH.

PAPER HEAD FORMS--FOX]

As regards the mounting of heads for rugs, they may be done in three
styles, called half or mask head, full head closed mouth, and full head
open mouth. The first, as the name indicates, consists of the skin of
the upper part of the head without that of the lower jaw mounted over an
artificial form or "skull." The closed mouth (See dog) has the lower jaw
mounted in addi