In building up a collection of mounted specimens it is always advisable to keep the study skin collections in mind when collections are being made. It is a good policy to shoot at least three specimens of each species, one for the mounts and two for the study collections, hoping, of course, to obtain a male and female by this method. The study skin collections should be housed in cases especially constructed for the purpose and fumigated often. Many preparations are on the market. In Yellowstone we use carbon disulphide, replenishing the stock about twice a year.
3. REPTILES, AMPHIBIANS AND FISH: Several methods of preparing this group have been used in the past. The preserving of specimens in solutions (a method used so extensively in zoological laboratories) is used in many museums. This is by far the most simple of all the methods. It is, however, not without its drawbacks. Solutions dry up, specimens are not readily examined, etc.
Another method, which was used extensively at one time but which is now fast losing favor, is that of mounting in the same manner as birds and animals are mounted. The plaster cast and wax methods are becoming very popular, especially at the larger museums. Wonderful results are being obtained, but here again it is almost necessary to have a skilled technician. The casting is not so difficult but the painting of the cast requires an artist. During the past month I did some experimental work in making casts of fish and I was surprised at the amount of detail which can be brought out. I worked on an eastern brook trout and the skin design was nearly as perfect on the completed cast as on the fish itself. The above methods are, of course, limited to the exhibit specimens. For study collections of amphibians, rep tiles and fish, it is necessary to place them in solutions where they may be taken out and examined. It is perfectly possible, especially if the specimen is rare, to utilize it as a model for casting and place it in the study collection afterward. The solution to be used in the case of preserving these specimens is 5% of the commercial 40% formeline. It is advisable to inject the specimen full of the solution in addition to placing it in the liquid.
References:
“Manual for Small Museums” — Coleman
“Taxidermy and Museum Technique” – Rowley
Proceedings of A.A,M., Vol. III 1909
Proceedings of A.A.M., Vol. VII 1913
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