brush as the
fox, wolf, etc., the tail is merely sewed up on the under side after
poisoning and not lined or trimmed. Pumas, tigers and others with short
furred tails are trimmed and lined like the rest of the rug. In lining
large rugs a double trimming of felt is often used and a lining of
strong canvas is used throughout, as when on the floor it is not
visible, protects the skin as well, and costs somewhat less.

[Illustration: PINKED LINING, BRIAR STITCHED.]

The trimming felt is sewed around the edge of the skin, passing the
needle through from the back obliquely, resulting in a long stitch on
the felt and a short one on the fur side. What few hairs are drawn down
by this can be picked out later with a needle or awl.

[Illustration: SEWING TRIMMING ON RUG.]

Before sewing the lining on an interlining of cotton wadding should be
cut out and basted in place with a few long stitches. Now place the skin
fur side up, on the lining and adjust it so an equal margin shows on all
sides and pin it in several places to prevent its slipping while sewing
it fast. To do this turn it felt uppermost and sew around just at the
edge of the skin, in the trimming felt, reversing the stitch previously
used. This hides the short stitch outside and if drawn up evenly will
hardly be noticed if a color of thread has been selected corresponding
somewhat to that of the felt.

If an extra nice finish is desired the lining may be put on with a
decorative briar or cat stitch with some bright colored silkatine.

Brushing away any clay from around the eyes and nose, giving the latter
a touch of the proper color (black for the majority of animals). A coat
of thin shellac to simulate the natural moist appearance and connecting
the dried eyelids with the glass eyes with hot colored wax will about
complete the rug. Waxing around the eyes is done with a small round
artist's brush and adds to the finished appearance of a job.

In mounting a rug head with either full head, closed or open mouth, the
beginner had best use a head form from the dealer for a few times at
least. A little study of one of these will enable him to model an open
mouth head, when a good set of teeth are supplied, and the ready made
article not at hand. It requires considerable time and some natural
ability to set the teeth and model the gums and tongue effectively.

A tongue modeled with clay and tow, covered with several layers of
papier mache and when dry, coated with fle