gs so that a sharpened end will protrude to run through and
clinch in the body core. Push wires in full length of legs. (Fig. 30.
shows the details of making the body core of fine excelsior.) Make the
core of a size to fit a little loosely into shell of body and tail.

[Illustration: Fig. 30.]

Set legs upon core as shown in Fig. 31. When the legs are properly
anchored, cover the core with enough of compo. No. I. so it will fit
snugly into thorax and tail shells. Place these upon the core now and
press them accurately into position.

[Illustration: Fig. 31.]

Whatever compo. squeezes out may be removed with a bit of damp cloth or
sponge. Position legs and tail approximately and wire upon the base. Set
the legs in their permanent position, spread or close the tail fan as
desired, arrange the antennae, and set the specimen in a well ventilated
spot to dry. Tint with oil colors, thinned with kerosene as they are
used, laying the tints on with soft brushes.

Sanded or graveled board bases may be made for birds, turtles, etc., by
applying a coat of heavy shellac to top and sides of pieces, cut to
required sizes and shapes, and before the shellac has a chance to dry,
throwing sand or fine gravel on forcibly or laying the boards in the
sand and piling sand over the moist tops, letting them lay a few moments
before removing and shaking off the loose sand. Allow such bases to dry
thoroughly before using.

PREPARING AND MOUNTING A VIRGINIA DEER HEAD

CHAPTER V

PREPARING AND MOUNTING A VIRGINIA DEER HEAD

Well mounted trophies of the chase are a source of delight to the
fortunate sportsman who possesses them.

Antlered game heads that are mounted true to life in form and expression
may go far to beautify many dining rooms, dens, and hallways, enhancing
the artistic tone of the rooms in which they are well placed.

As in all taxidermy work, outline sketches direct from the fresh
specimen, top and side views, both before and after skinning, are of
great value in mounting deer heads.

As in other specimens, deer scalps for mounting should be as fresh as
possible. If a scalp is to be kept for some little time before mounting
it should be well salted.

Roll the scalp up and lay over night to drain. Next day scrape off the
first salt and rub in another thorough salting. Keep the skin rolled up
to prevent drying hard until mounting or sent to the tanner.

An ideal deer scalp includes the neck skin entire t