makes it easy to see when the surface has already been
treated, unless the skin is dressed white, in which case dry ochre may
be used in place of whiting.

For poisoning the skins of the smaller furred animals and all but the
larger birds:

DRY PRESERVATIVE.

Powdered white arsenic
Powdered alum

Mix equal parts by measure and apply to inside of the fresh skin with a
soft brush or pad of cotton. If during the skinning and cleaning the
skin has dried so the powder will not stick, moisten the inside of the
skin with water before applying. Some taxidermists prefer to use in
place of the paste some form of Arsenical Soap. This may be purchased
from the supply dealer or made at home at quite a reduction. Personally
I dislike the greasy, sticky feel of it; it is apt to cling around the
finger nails and scratches, making them sore.

However, the following is the best formula for a time honored
preservative:

HORNADAY'S ARSENICAL SOAP.

White bar soap 1 lb.
Powdered arsenic 1 lb.
Camphor gum 2-1/2 oz.
Subcarbonate of potash 3 oz.
Alcohol (wood or grain) 4 oz.

Slice the soap and melt slowly with a little water. When melted stir in
the potash and arsenic. Boil to the consistency of molasses and pour
into a jar to harden. Add the camphor already dissolved in the alcohol
and stir occasionally while cooling. Mix with water and apply with a
paint brush to flesh side of skins.

In case one is timid about using any of the arsenical preparations I
would advise them to try

BROWNE'S NON-POISONOUS PRESERVATIVE SOAP.

Whiting 24 oz.
White soap 8 oz.
Chloride lime 1/2 oz.
Tincture camphor 1 oz.
Water 1 pt.

Shave the soap thin and boil it with the whiting and water till
dissolved. Then remove from the fire and stir in the chloride, adding
the tincture camphor later when cold, as much of the strength of the
latter would be lost were the mixture hot.

Keep in closed jars or bottles, and if too thick, thin down with water
or alcohol. Apply like arsenical soap or paste. This is highly
recommended by English writers. For a non-poisonous powder I would
advise equal parts of powdered alum and insect powder in place of the
arsenic and alum.

SOLUTION FOR THE PRESERVATION OF SMALL SPECIMENS ENTIRE.

Formaldehyde (40% strength) 1 part
Water 9 parts

Mix thoroughly and put in