spirits of
wine, or pure sulphuric ether, will do for birds; the methylated
spirit, though of service for washing over most subjects, is not so
good when applied to the delicate feathers of birds, as it leaves on
drying a certain impure residuum behind it.
For mammals I recommend my formula of burnt alum and saltpetre (No.
9), followed by a wash of benzoline or turpentine twice a year, or by
any one of the mercurial preparations given.
On a retrospect of this chapter it will, I think, be admitted that, if
I am adverse to the use of any poisonous preparations in taxidermy, I
at least point out the why and wherefore, as also an alternative
course, showing at the same time the benefits and defects of both
systems. I now, therefore, leave the amateur to choose for
himself--bearing in mind the time-honoured aphorism, chacun a son
gout.
Plate II Skeleton of Peregrine Falcon
SHOWING THE PROPER POSITION OF THE VARIOUS BOXES.
Explanation: follows:
SKELETON OF PEREGRINE FALCON (above.)
SHOWING THE PROPER POSITION OF THE VARIOUS BOXES.
Explanation:
A, skull; B, upper mandible; C, lower mandible;
D, cervical vertebrae (9);
E, humeri (sing. humerus); F, radius; G, Ulna;
H, carpus, or wrist I and J, metacarpal bones (8); i, "knuckle" joint;
K, pollex (first digit, or "'thumb"); K2 and K3 second or "index" digit,
and next or third digit;
1, pelvis or "ossa innominata" ilium, ischium, and pubes anchylosed;
M, femur; N, tibia; O O, fibula;
P, metatarse, or "tarso-metarsus" (3, sometimes 4 bones);
p, actual "knee" joint; q, "heel," or tibiotarsal joint;
Q, hallux (first or "big" toe), called in ornithology the "hind" toe
R, fourth (or outermost) toe; S S sternum, or breast bone.
CHAPTER V.
SKINNING AND PRESERVING BIRDS.
IN order that this shall be a thoroughly practical chapter, I will, in
my method of working, copy the admirable plan of my old sporting
favourite, Col. Hawker, who, when wishing to note down some difficult
point, was in the habit of doing with his own hands all things
pertaining to the matter at issue, because, as he said, he might not
make mistakes when subsequently writing upon knotty subjects intended
for his readers' consideration.
I have, therefore, specially procured a starling, as I consider this
bird the very best for the amateur's purpose, not only on account of
the toughness of the skin, but also because, being a medium-sized
bird, it presents no difficult p
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