to cleaning
furs will be in order. White furs especially that have become soiled and
matted from use need cleaning frequently and are brought to the furrier
or taxidermist for that purpose.

A good washing in gasoline will usually remove the dirt, then dry out as
in dressing furs. Furriers often use powdered magnesia for this purpose
but almost any finely divided white powder will do about as well. A long
siege of beating, shaking and brushing will be necessary to get the
drying powder all out of the fur so it will not sift out on the garments
when wearing.

If the piece to be cleaned is large (like a coat or cloak) the lining
should be removed before cleaning. Neck pieces and small furs are
cleaned with linings, wadding, etc., intact. If the fur is so matted
that beating does not fluff it out, it must be combed, using a metal fur
comb to break up the tangles.

Charges for this work are based on the time used, though at least 75c.
or $1.00 each is charged for the small pieces.

As chemicals exposed to the changes of atmosphere are likely to lose
strength in time, the owners of mounted heads generally take the
precaution of having them poisoned against moth at varying intervals.

Personally I think once in three years is sufficient but some prefer to
be on the safe side where valuable heads are concerned and have them
treated yearly.

Large heads like buffalo, moose, and elk may be poisoned as they hang,
thus obviating any subsequent handling which would be to the detriment
of both specimen and operator.

Heads the size of deer and smaller are readily removed and replaced.

First dust the head well and comb the hair or pelt to detect the
presence of moth. If loose hairs reveal this the head should be removed
to the open air, unscrewed from the shield and saturated with gasoline,
which will kill both the moth and its eggs, after which poison against a
repetition of the offense.

Pin an old cloth or newspapers about the neck to protect the shield and
wall and spray the entire skin of the head with the diluted arsenical
solution as recommended in Chapter III. Seedsmen sell a sprayer for use
on plants which is about the most convenient size, though the larger
size used in the vegetable garden or even a toilet atomizer will
distribute the solution.

After it has dried wipe off the eyes and nose with a damp cloth and
handle as little as possible.

The common tariff on such work is for treating a single head not