METHODS IN THE ART OF TAXIDERMY. By Oliver Davie.

(1894) 1900 2nd edition. 4to (192 x 264mm). Ppxiv,359. Engraved plates, illustrations. Binding A - Blue cloth, upper board titled in silver with silver bird motif, black ruled border, spine titled in silver. Title-page printed in red and black.

"Ninety full-page engravings, chiefly drawn by Theodore Jasper, A.M., M.D. The whole containing five hundred figures clearly illustrating the modes of procedure in the art, together with examples of characteristic forms and attitudes of various species of the animal kingdom. Including reproductions from photographs of actual work by American taxidermists". "Our aim has been to produce a work amply illustrating the various modes of procedure in the art of taxidermy, intended especially to incstruct the beginner. Those who are experienced in the art may also be aided by some new and practical methods which we have included within these pages. We ...have taken up the practical lessons on birds firs, because they usually give the most satisfactory results to the beginner. The mammals, which are more difficult come next in order an, lastly, the complicated preparations of crustaceans, fishes, reptiles, etc". Chapters include:- Historical introduction; Instruments, materials, workshop, etc; Preservatives, poisons and compounds used in taxidermy - their preparation and their general uses in the art - together with other information of value; Collecting specimens in general, seasons, field equipments, care and treatment of specimens; Skinning and mounting birds; The making up of birds' skins; Cleaning birds' feathers, realxing skins; Hints on the forms and attitudes of birds, accessories, grouping, etc; Collecting birds' nests and eggs; Skinning and mounting small mammals and those of the larger specimens in which it is unnecessary to employ the dermoplastic method, making up dry skins and relaxing them; The dermoplastic method of mounting mammals; Hints on the forms and attitudes of mammals, accessories, grouping, etc., with remarks on the arrangement of reptiles; Mounting mammal heads; The mounting of crustaceans, fishes, reptiles, etc; Ornamental taxidermy; Making plaster casts; Care of specimens.