Home Taxidermy for Pleasure and Profit | Page 3

B. C. in the record of the African
explorations of Hanno the Carthaginian, an account is given of the
discovery of what was evidently the gorilla and the subsequent
preservation of their skins, which were, on the return of the voyagers,
hung in the temple of Astarte, where they remained until the taking of
Carthage in the year 146 B. C.
This, of course, was not the art as we know it now, but shows the
beginnings of what might be called the museum idea. The art of
embalming as practiced by the ancient Egyptians was, however,
effective, not for the purpose of having the specimens look natural, or
for exhibition, but to satisfy the superstition of the times, and though a
preservative art, hardly to be classed with taxidermy.
In the tombs of that period are found besides the mummies of human
beings, countless others of dogs, cats, monkeys, birds, sheep and oxen.
There have been a number of efforts made to substitute some form of
embalming for present day taxidermy but without much success, for
though the body of the specimen may be preserved from decay without
removing it from the skin, the subsequent shrinkage and distortion spoil
any effect which may have been achieved.
[Illustration: AN EARLY DAY SPECIMEN.]
The first attempt at stuffing and mounting birds was said to have been
made in Amsterdam in the beginning of the 16th century. The oldest
museum specimen in existence, as far as I know, is a rhinoceros in the
Royal Museum of Vertebrates in Florence, Italy, said to have been
originally mounted in the 16th century.

Probably on account of the necessary knowledge of preservative
chemicals, the art seems to have been in the hands of chemists and
astrologers, chiefly, during the middle ages, and stuffed animals such
as bats, crocodiles, frogs, snakes, lizards, owls, etc., figure in literary
descriptions of their abodes. Then as now also, the dining halls of the
nobles and wealthy were decorated with heads and horns procured in
the hunt.
The first publications on the art seem to have been made in France, in
which country and Germany, many still used methods and formulas
originated. Though the first volume of instruction in taxidermy was
published in the United States as late as 1865, it has been left for the
study and ingenuity of American taxidermists to accomplish what is
probably work of as high a standard as any in the world.
The Ward establishment at Rochester has turned out many well trained
taxidermists, the large museums of the United States are filled with
some of the best work of the kind in existence, besides many persons
who have engaged in it for commercial purposes or to gratify private
tastes. Many of these have made public their methods and modes in
various publications. Among these are the works of Batty, Hornaday,
Shofeldt, Davie, Rowley, Maynard, Reed and others, all of which are
invaluable books of reference for the home taxidermist.
It is to be regretted that the once flourishing Society of American
Taxidermists has not been perpetuated, numbering, as it did, among its
membership the best artists in their line in this country.
There is no royal road to success in this, more than any other of the arts
and sciences, though I believe the ambitious beginner will find the way
smoother; better materials are to be had, more helpful publications to
be consulted and the lessening supply of wild life tends to make a more
appreciative public than ever before.
CHAPTER II.
OUTFIT--TOOLS AND MATERIALS.

The extent and variety of work undertaken will determine the necessary
working space and the assortment of tools needful. Other things being
equal, the most complete assortment of tools and supplies makes
possible the production of the best work in the minimum time. The
equipment of the beginner need be but small and inexpensive, however,
increasing the same as he discovers what is most necessary and
desirable, in an increasing field of work. Wonderful pieces of
taxidermy have been done with a pocket knife, pliers, needle and thread,
some wire, tow and arsenic.
If no other room offers, much may be achieved (with the permission of
the lady of the house) in a corner of a dining room or kitchen. A room
or part of one well lighted, by north window or sky-light preferably,
makes the best location for the work table. This table may be of the
common unpainted kitchen variety for all small work. It is well to make
the top double by hinging on two leaves, which when extended will
make it twice its usual width. When so extended and supported by
swinging brackets it is specially adapted to sewing on rugs and robes.
Such tables usually have one or two shallow drawers which are most
useful