Blackbird, waxwing, oriole.
Number 20 Bluebird, cardinal.
Number 21 to 24 Warblers, wrens, titmouse, finches.
Number 26 North American humming bird.
For quadrupeds:
Number 7 Wild cat.
Number 8 Foxes.
Number 10 Raccoon, wood chuck.
Number 11 Skunk, opossum.
Number 12 or 13 Muskrat, rabbit.
Number 14 or 15 Mink, large squirrels.
Number 17 or 18 Weasel, bull frog, and small squirrels.
These sizes are approximate, varying with size of the individual
specimen and the required attitude wanted. For instance, a bird mounted
with wings spread would be better for a large size wire than if in a
resting position. An animal crouched does not require as heavy supports
as one upright or in action. It is best to give the specimen the benefit
of the doubt, as nothing is more disastrous than to have an otherwise
well mounted subject sag down and spoil the entire effect from lack of
sufficient mechanical support. The best wire for this purpose is
annealed, galvanized iron. Larger animals require Norway iron rod in the
following sizes:
1/4 in. Coyote, setter dog.
5/16 in. Wolf, puma.
3/8 in. Medium deer.
1/2 in. Caribou and large deer.
3/4 in. Moose, elk.
A large earthen jar or two will hold sufficient skin pickle for small
animals. For large animals or great numbers of small ones a tank or
barrel. Keep such jars or barrels covered to prevent evaporation. With
dry arsenic and alum, arsenical solution, formaldehyde for an emergency
and plenty of salt, even a beginner should be able to save almost
anything that falls into his clutches.
There are numbers of reliable dealers in tools and supplies for the
taxidermist and a perusal of their catalogs will be helpful, among the
number being James P. Babbitt, 192 Hodges Ave., Taunton, Mass. Ready to
use head forms, pinked rug and robe trimming, artificial tongues and ear
forms, and even paper head and neck forms for the mounting of large game
heads are some of the time and labor saving supplies they list. If you
cannot attain to these, emergency supplies can be had of the dealer in
hardware and dry goods, and one who cares for the art will rise superior
to the material at his hand. What you "stuff 'em with" is of small
consequence provided you use brains in the job. I have seen an elk head
stuffed with old clothes with the bottoms of pop bottles for eyes, but
would advise
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