The Sportsman's Handbook 
 
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 PRACTICAL COLLECTING 
 
 
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 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK.
 
 {All rights reserved.']
 
 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK 
 
 TO 
 
 PRACTICAL COLLECTING, 
 PRESERVING, 
 
 AND 
 
 ARTISTIC SETTING-UP 
 
 OF 
 
 TROPHIES AND SPECIMENS. 
 
 TO -WHICH IS ADDED 
 
 A Synoptical Guide to the Hunting Grounds of the World. 
 
 By KOWLAND WAKD, F.Z.S. 
 
 THE AUTHOR, 166, PICCADILLY. 
 
 SIMPKIN, MAESHALL, & CO., STATIONERS HALL COURT. 
 
 1880.
 
 ClllKLliS DICKENS AJfD LVAJfS, 
 CBYSTAL PALACE PKESS.
 
 gook is ilebicat^b to 
 
 THE REVERED MEMORY OF 
 
 THE LATE HENRY WARD, 
 
 OF LOXDOX, 
 
 (MY FATHER), 
 WHOSE EMINENCE AS A PEACTICAL TAXIDERMIST, 
 
 AMD AS 
 
 TRAVELLER, SPORTSMAN, AND NATURALIST, 
 
 I PRIZE LIKE AN INHERITANCE, 
 AND AFFECTIONATELY EMULATE. 
 
 ROWLAND WARD.
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 I HAVE made an endeavour, by the following pages, 
 to present for the sportsman-naturalist some informa- 
 tion that may be valuable to him as derived solely 
 from experience either the accumulated experience of 
 my family, of whom I am now the only representative 
 in our profession, or the carefully collected experience 
 of others in those parts of the subject where my own 
 work has not carried me. My grandfather was a 
 practical naturalist ; my father, the late Henry Ward, 
 became eminent in the same way, but with some 
 remarkable advantages, having travelled much in 
 pursuit of his profession in both hemispheres, and 
 notably as the companion of Audubon, when that 
 distinguished man was so greatly enriching and ex- 
 tending the field of natural history. My brother, 
 Edwin Ward, late of 49, Wigmore Street, London, 
 was one of the best known and most skilful operators 
 in artistic taxidermy that we have ever had in this 
 country. I have had the benefit of his advice and 
 help, and have been greatly assisted, moreover, by 
 the information given me by many travellers and true
 
 Vlll PREFACE. 
 
 sportsmen. It has been my object to avoid mere 
 speculative opinion, and to make the book as concise 
 as might be. 
 
 It is only in comparatively recent times that 
 taxidermy has been elevated to claim any real art 
 position. What has been gained for it has not been 
 achieved by mere skill, but by extended and more 
 accurate observation of nature in its living forms of 
 the behaviour and habits of animals, not simply ex- 
 amination of their carcases, or what remained of those. 
 Such observation, carefully and correctly recorded, is 
 invaluable to the naturalist who seeks, by the pre- 
 servation unimpaired of the natural features of an 
 animal, to use the verisimilitude so obtained as an aid 
 to art illustration. The material means for such a 
 result are indeed important ; but something more may 
 be done with a prepared group of animals, or a single 
 specimen, than preservation for the identification of 
 details in anatomy or of outward appearance. Its 
 value to the student may be preserved and increased 
 by displaying its beauty truthfully to life, while the 
 beauty is recognised for its own sake by even the 
 unscientific. This is the cause I advocate, and the end 
 I have in view. 
 
 R. W. 
 
 May 12th, 1880.
 
 THE 
 
 SPOKTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 INTRODUCTORY. 
 
 IN starting from this or any other country on an 
 expedition for collecting, that is likely or certain to 
 separate him from the means and conveniences that 
 he can command for money in settled and civilised 
 communities, it is all important for the explorer or 
 sportsman to provide himself carefully with everything 
 he may want. But it is more important still that in 
 doing so, he be able to define what his real wants are, 
 and restrict the satisfaction of even these with skill to 
 the smallest proportions. He should therefore quite 
 judiciously consider what he really does need that it is 
 desirable he should take with him, because he cannot 
 obtain it so well elsewhere ; but it is not well to 
 imagine possible difficulties or wants, and endeavour 
 to provide for them particularly. In regard to most 
 of the apparatus, simplicity is to real usefulness like 
 his skin is to a nigger. Attention should be paid to 
 appropriateness of dress, but always with the recollec-
 
 2 THE BPOETSMAN'B HANDBOOK. 
 
 tion that in this respect a small modicum of native 
 experience in any country is worth any amount of 
 speculation out of it. That observation may also 
 apply to most of the shifts and expedients of camp 
 life. The well recorded experiences of good sports- 
 men, who have gone in similar fields before, are of 
 infinite value to instruct ; not for the simplicity of 
 servile imitation in particulars, since the conditions 
 may entirely differ, but as exemplifying the principles 
 on which given means were applied to certain ends. 
 Important factors in the consideration of these ques- 
 tions are the strength, stature, and constitution of 
 the sportsman himself. 
 
 The progress of invention has of late years 
 strengthened the position of the sportsman in respect 
 of his armament, especially as regards great and 
 dangerous game. He has wide choice of excellent 
 weapons. In quite recent times this abundant facility 
 has a little vexed the question, and some good sports- 
 men think they recognise the obtrusion of not indeed 
 a fresh element, but more prominence for it the 
 endeavour to cloak deficiency of skill by increase of 
 mere mechanical power in dealing with great game. 
 In reality, the conditions have not changed for the 
 true sportsman, who seeks rather an exercise of his 
 skill and courage than the silly vanity of copious 
 butchery. Indifferent ability may find compensation 
 of a kind in that, but hardly the admiration of the 
 judicious. In selecting particular weapons, each man 
 will follow his bent; but on some points there is a 
 consensus of opinion among good men that should 
 strongly influence: That in the hands of a true sports- 
 man of fine skill the chosen weapon for dangerous 
 game should be light in relation to his personal
 
 AFPAEATUS. 3 
 
 strength; so that his ability to wield it easily may be 
 without doubt : The " Express " rifle, on account of 
 its easy carriage and manipulation, its power for in- 
 ternal wounding, its accuracy and extended point- 
 blank range, is lauded by many as all-sufficient for 
 ordinary game : For large game and dangerous animals 
 a heavier bore is of course requisite, but one of not 
 excessive capacity is considered sufficient for credit in 
 good hands : The weapons should be carefully suitable 
 to the stature of the sportsman, and to his length 
 of reach, etc. There are some details, too, that have 
 much to do with success indeed, are almost, in such 
 circumstances, a condition precedent of it viz., the 
 temper (hardness) of the ball, shot, or missile, the 
 quality of the powder, and the quantum of the charge. 
 These points should have careful attention. Expe- 
 rience on the field is the only true guide (our own or 
 others'), and experiments are only valuable according to 
 the conditions. Although sportsmen among great game 
 have at all times had only such arms to deal with 
 as they at the time possessed sometimes arms that 
 seem now quite primitive in comparison with modern 
 weapons the testing by sportsmen of such arms in 
 real action is the only true test; indeed, eye and hand, 
 as confident agents of undisturbed skilful judgment, 
 are as important active forces for the result as the 
 powder that utilises the best made missile, or the 
 most accurate bore of any index. The gentleman who 
 can, without erring, do all that is prescribed to clamped 
 boards and puddled clay on an English sward, might 
 find his calculations disturbed by the short rush of a 
 rogue elephant, the sudden deadly spring of a tiger, or 
 the oncoming of a heavy buffalo, who has at last 
 become convinced that only one course is open to him. 
 
 B 2
 
 4 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 The sooner the sportsman realises that his opera- 
 tions with great game cannot be reduced to the 
 symmetry of a game of chess, the better will he be 
 able to best guard his own safety and create success 
 for himself on whatever field he may turn his attention 
 to. In fact, nothing can be of more value to him 
 in those circumstances than quick apprehensiveness, 
 delicate tact, strong cool courage, and exquisite skill 
 in the accurate use of his weapon. But underneath 
 all this should lie a knowledge of what experience 
 and investigation has taught us of how best to achieve 
 our end; and one important phase of this knowledge 
 is, how and where is it best to strike the game in a 
 vital part, or in such way that the animal may be 
 disabled. And here it must be remarked that no 
 amount of book instruction will equal a small amount 
 of experience ; therefore it is well, when the game is 
 killed and comes to be cut up, always to make a 
 sufficient special investigation as to the course of 
 your bullet in regard to its effect on the vital parts. 
 In order to make clear what is the position of these 
 points, some diagrams of animals representative of 
 species are given, and on them the points are indi- 
 cated. It may be said generally that the brain and 
 the heart are the real organs to injure with vital 
 effect ; but to these must be added the spinal column. 
 Now with different species of animals, in various cir- 
 cumstances, the conditions under which these parts 
 can be reached vary considerably. We may consider 
 the animals in two classes : (a) those that are dangerous, 
 (6) those that are not seriously dangerous. These may 
 again be divided into (c) animals that are in natural 
 condition unsuspicious, or quiescent; (d) animals in- 
 furiate, aggressive, charging. To speak first of the
 
 VITAL SHOTS. 5 
 
 Felidce. The place to hit a lion, if you are quite 
 sure of your aim, as you may be if he is quiescent, 
 is undoubtedly the brain. Now with tiger as well as 
 lion, the brain is about the size of an apple, and small 
 in comparison to the bony structure; the brain-pan 
 is located about three or four inches to the rear of the 
 eye (vide diagram). The heart is also indicated, and 
 when the animal is broadside on, it can be pierced by 
 a shot behind the shoulder. When he is charging 
 
 direct towards you, the best shot to deliver is a little 
 to the right or left of the head, straight through the 
 shoulder ; by this you may perhaps pierce his heart, 
 or possibly fracture the spinal cord ; the bullet may 
 traverse the body lengthwise with paralysing effect, 
 or it will which is most important shatter the 
 shoulder-bone and prevent his deadly spring. The 
 rhinoceros is best killed by piercing the brain, or by 
 fracture of the spinal cord. The brain is surely found 
 in the region below the ear. The sportsman's position 
 in regard to the animal will determine the possibility of
 
 6 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK 
 
 his reaching the spinal cord. The hide of the Indian 
 rhinoceros is harder than that of the African species, 
 but on the living beast is easily permeable by hardened 
 bullets ; still, where there is room for choice, it is best 
 to shoot between the folds. 
 
 In certain circumstances the charge of a Cape 
 buffalo or a gaur is among the most dangerous ex- 
 periences of the sportsman. The same general obser- 
 vations apply; but the neck and shoulder shot is to be 
 
 preferred. In regard to the elephant, there is a great 
 difference between the African and the Indian. The 
 skull of the first is convex in frontal form, while that 
 of the Asiatic variety is concave. The brain is wonder- 
 fully small in comparison to the bony matter by which 
 it is protected. The average weight of an elephant's 
 brain is, say, nine pounds, which is but a fraction of 
 the weight of the bone. The Asiatic elephant may be 
 well shot dead while charging, if pierced in his fore- 
 head; but a similar shot would not be efficacious 
 with the African. The brain of these creatures is
 
 VITAL SHOTS. 7 
 
 protected by a mass of cellular bone, which cannot 
 well be pierced by a bullet, unless it be directed 
 through the orifice of the ear. If he be charging 
 towards you, the best shot is in the chest. The 
 position of heart and brain is marked in the diagram. 
 When an African elephant is undisturbed, his great 
 ear will furnish a sure direction for a deadly shot. 
 Aim at the central portion of the outer edge. 
 
 The hippopotamus if shot when he rises to the 
 surface of the water, should receive the bullet up his 
 nostril; that is the surest road to his brain. When 
 stricken the beast sinks, and it may be an hour or two 
 before his body rises ; the time depends greatly on the 
 temperature of the water. If he is shot on the shore, 
 his heart should be aimed at behind the shoulder, 
 half-way up his body in the line of his leg the 
 general rule. The seal should be shot in the brain, 
 but the locality of his brain is very deceiving. It is
 
 8 
 
 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 peculiarly back toward the neck, as shown in the 
 drawing. 
 
 For collecting some small animals and birds, shot- 
 guns of selected gauge, throwing appropriate shot, 
 that need not be particularised here, are requisite. 
 
 A more humble, but in its degree an equally useful 
 implement for the collector, and one which he can 
 employ to remarkable advantage, is the 
 blow-pipe. Some savage races use 
 this weapon for it can be made by 
 skill veritably a weapon with as- 
 tounding accuracy of aim and certainty 
 of effect. In taking a lesson from 
 them it is not necessary to misapply the means to 
 any purpose for which the gun is more appropriate. 
 But the collector will soon experience that, for many 
 small specimens, he can use a blow-pipe with effect
 
 APPARATUS. 9 
 
 where he may not be able to use firearms. The imple- 
 ment is so simple and so easily constructed that the 
 price of it is inappreciable. About three feet length 
 of any straight metal or wooden tubing, f -inch dia- 
 meter, through which a pellet the size of a marble 
 may be thrown, will serve well, but an even longer 
 tube may be chosen. The pellet should be of clay or 
 any putty, rolled in the hand to easily pass through 
 the barrel without too much windage. It should 
 not touch the mouth, but be lightly placed just in 
 the orifice, by stopping which with the thumb the 
 tube can be conveniently carried loaded, muzzle up, 
 ready for the most rapid use. To propel the pellet, 
 the puff must be sudden and powerful. There is 
 a proper way of effecting this. When a practitioner 
 first begins to use the blow-pipe, it is a common 
 error to eject the breath only direct from the lungs ; 
 he should acquire the habit of inflating his cheeks, 
 so as to make a storage of wind, as it were, for each 
 shot ; that, added to the breath from the lungs, gives 
 a force that will sometimes astonish him. The hand 
 follows the eye in aim, and practice will often develop 
 unthought-of proficiency. The particular uses of the 
 blow-pipe are these : that its operation is silent and 
 does not disturb, it is effective for small and mode- 
 rate-sized birds not on the wing, it is easily manipu- 
 lated in a wood, it is easily obtainable anywhere, and 
 the ammunition costs nothing. 
 
 The question of traps, snares, etc., is one which 
 more concerns the collector or trader than the sports- 
 man. Many specimens can of course be collected by 
 these means. A man's own taste will rule him in the 
 adoption of them better than any precept or instruction. 
 There are many ingenious devices used in America, 
 Scandinavia, and other fields for the capture of game
 
 10 TEE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 of all sizes, or the destruction of them rather. It will 
 be found, however, that the ordinary gin, of whatever 
 size it may be made, remains the really most efficacious 
 of all such contrivances. The employment of dummies 
 and decoys for birds, and especially for shore-birds, is 
 interesting and useful. Probably in all parts of the 
 world ingenuity can adapt this resource in degree. 
 As a rule gregarious birds are those most subject to 
 the fascination, for such it is. To give examples in our 
 own country wood-pigeons can be attracted thus : 
 Any carpenter can make the shape of a wood-pigeon in 
 rough; no legs need be shaped, but a stick should 
 project from the lower part of the breast, so that the 
 dummy can be fixed on the ground, or placed in a tree, 
 as may be required ; this figure must be painted in 
 colour to represent the pigeon, and the paint must be 
 " flatted," that is, not glossy. It is astonishing how 
 the wild birds will come down to their haunts when 
 they see this dummy there to assure them. In like 
 manner plovers, gulls, and similar shore-birds may be- 
 decoyed. The decoy-duck is made buoyant to rest on 
 the water, and is well known. Verisimilitude in regard 
 to action is a great gain sometimes with theselast-named, 
 and is more important than mere details of feather. 
 The following may be adduced as an instance of this : 
 I once employed a decoy to deceive some sporting 
 companions. They were looking for a shot in the 
 evening twilight, and I provided one for them by 
 hastily making a dab-chick of a bung, two wine-corks,, 
 and some wire. This rude image would float upright 
 when ballasted with a stone at the end of a string ; to 
 this string I attached a live roach, and set the whole 
 afloat under his guidance down the edge of some 
 tempting reeds. The progress and occasional plunging
 
 APPARATUS. 11 
 
 of the fish communicated the most natural action to 
 the dummy, and it received the complimentary re- 
 cognition of many ounces of well-directed shot, until, 
 being well killed, the cork was secured, and not added 
 to the bag. This may afford a hint that can be 
 utilised by ingenuity where it seems to be a gain. 
 
 An useful part of the sportsman's kit is a photo- 
 graphic camera. This sounds alarming, as suggestive 
 of bulk and weight, and inconvenient dabbling with 
 scientific minutice, and perhaps dirty chemicals ; but, 
 in truth, none of those fears need be realised. The 
 whole apparatus can be contained in a small case 
 eight inches each way. The tripod-stand an im- 
 portant part is made to fold into a stave two feet 
 long, about two inches thick. The sensitive plates are 
 dry and prepared ready for use before leaving home ; 
 the inconvenience of properly using them, if there be 
 any inconvenience in developing the picture, is reduced 
 to a minimum, in no sense commensurate with the 
 gratification derived or the value of the work. An 
 animal may be photographed with its surroundings, 
 just as it fell ; the picture may be made a nucleus of 
 interesting and most instructive memoranda, of obvious 
 value because such details are too often forgotten, or 
 the impression made by them effaced, just in proportion 
 as we move from the spot. Photographic pictures of 
 living ferce naturae, in their native jungle or forest, 
 have indeed been thus taken, and hundreds of sea- 
 birds on the wing wheeling over an Indian headland, 
 have been reproduced with the most accurate repre- 
 sentation of individual birds, so that when magnified 
 the picture presents the perfect specimen for our con- 
 templation our more leisurely examination in fact 
 than if we had witnessed them in their flight. These
 
 12 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 are enormous advantages to gain if they be rightly 
 estimated and used. The dry plates, in favourable 
 circumstances, require only a second's exposure for a 
 picture. They need not even be developed on the spot, 
 if inconvenient; the undeveloped negative will keep 
 good for months. The most portable plates are those 
 four inches by three inches ; they are sufficiently large 
 for most useful purposes, though of course larger plates 
 for larger pictures can be carried. It is all important 
 that the camera and apparatus should be good, the 
 tripod true and firm. 
 
 The knives or other implements should be as few 
 and simple as is consistent with meeting the real need 
 efficiently; a tiger can be perfectly skinned by a 
 skilful hand with a shoemaker's knife, price threepence- 
 halfpenny. It is highly important that some prepara- 
 tion should be made for efficient and accurate record 
 of scientific data, concerning natural features that 
 are [evanescent, such as colour of the eye, of a bird's 
 bill and legs, etc. ; but it is not too much to say that 
 the whole of such apparatus may, by well considered 
 ingenuity, be carried in the compass of a case whose 
 capacity is measured in a few inches. It must be 
 borne in mind before all things, that the value of any 
 object secured and preserved depends on the com- 
 pleteness with which all its natural features are saved, 
 as well as the condition in which they are kept. This 
 is true in degree for whatever purpose the object be 
 designed, but it is essential in regard to specimens for 
 the illustration of natural history.
 
 GENERAL OBSERVATIONS FOR THE 
 COLLECTOR. 
 
 DIRECTLY a specimen is secured inspect the eye, and 
 make a concise memorandum of its colour and any 
 peculiarity of its appearance. A similar note should 
 be taken of any colour on the bills, legs, etc., of birds 
 (the brilliancy of which may fade), and particular note 
 should be preserved of eyelids, the colour of them, if 
 they have colour ; and the same may be said of wattles 
 and all such features of naked skin, because most 
 frequently when these parts dry, the colours not only 
 fade, but change sometimes absolutely ; and the 
 taxidermist at home may be led to a wrong conclu- 
 sion. Never omit, and never defer the making of 
 these memoranda, or instant decision on the necessity 
 for it. 
 
 It is better that specimens of all warm-blooded 
 creatures should be cold before they are operated on. 
 
 In dealing with birds care should be taken, directly 
 they are shot, that the plumage be not broken, or 
 injured by putting many of them together in a bag ; 
 and that the blood from one fresh specimen does not 
 injure another. Instantly plug up with cotton wool the 
 throat, nostrils, and all shot holes. Rare examples can
 
 14 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 be isolated in a cone of paper, or otherwise, as soon as 
 they are secured. It is often a scientific gain to save 
 at least the sternum or breastbone, with the caracoids, 
 tlbefurcula (merry-thought), and scapula of birds, and 
 the skull when the skin is not saved. 
 
 Pay particular and unvarying attention to the 
 ticketing of specimens. 
 
 Tickets of convenient, durable material should be 
 provided. Note thereon : Date ; a number ; where 
 killed; native name; scientific names; sex; habitat; 
 habits observed, as to the eye, etc. ; and peculiarities 
 
 of colour. Any other peculiarities, or facts noticed. 
 To sex a bird, examine the inner regions of the loins, 
 and if male mark it <$ , and if female thus ? . 
 
 This question of ticketing, and the preparation 
 of the ticket is all important. There is little, if any 
 doubt, that the brilliant colours on a fresh, healthy 
 specimen, at the moment it falls, are always deteriorated, 
 sometimes altered, under treatment by any preserva- 
 tive. Therefore, when the "colours" are noted, if 
 possible, the collector should always put on his ticket 
 a blot of water-colour pigment as near as may be, to 
 reproduce the brightness and quality of the tint. This 
 may need some ingenuity, but will be found not
 
 COLLECTING. 15 
 
 difficult ; a few cakes of water-colour and a brush take 
 little space; the gain by this record will be great. 
 The sexing is of much consequence ; to determine it, 
 where necessary, involves a slight dissection, when 
 the appearances will be found as on page 14. 
 
 Corresponding tickets to those on the skins, etc., 
 should be attached firmly to skulls, horns, bones, etc., 
 and saved so that exact identification may be easy and 
 certain. 
 
 Be as forethoughtful as possible in all operations ; 
 and be careful that no blood or grease, or juices from 
 the offal, injure the feathers or fur. 
 
 It is generally far better to attend to the preserving 
 of your own specimens, than to trust to native agents 
 or servants; if you are compelled to trust to them 
 at all, never sanction the use of lime in the materials 
 they employ, even as a small constituent. Some natural 
 substances (berries, etc.), used by natives, will change 
 colour on specimens ; the yellow ground of a leopard 
 skin may be thus changed to reddish brown, etc.
 
 PROCESSES OF PRESERVATION. 
 
 IN regard to the preservation for after treatment 
 of the skins of great game, it would be easy here to 
 quote many recipes of approved efficiency, and, in 
 given circumstances, not open to doubt. But, for the 
 particular conditions of the explorer, the simplest pro- 
 cess that is safe and good is the best. I think that 
 the materials carried may be reduced to two, viz. a 
 quantity of dry powdered alum and a supply of spirits 
 of turpentine. How these should be applied I shall 
 presently explain. 
 
 For the treatment of bird-skins a supply of arsenical 
 soap should be carried. It can be compounded of the 
 following ingredients : 
 
 Camphor 5 ozs. 
 
 "White Arsenic, in powder ... 2 Ibs. 
 
 Yellow Soap 2 Ibs. 
 
 Lime, in powder ... ... ... 4 ozs. 
 
 Melfc the soap completely by heat in a small quantity of water, 
 and add the lime ; then remove it from the fire and stir in 
 the arsenic; next add the camphor, previously rubbed to 
 powder with a little spirits of wine, and mix the whole 
 thoroughly, till it has the consistence of paste. Preserve it 
 in carefully closed glazed vessels, labelled " Poison." To use 
 it, mix the quantity required with cold water to the consistence 
 of clear soup, and apply it with a brush to the inside of the 
 skins. 
 
 There are two methods of preserving animals, or 
 the skins of animals, on the spot where they are 
 collected till they can be transmitted for definite 
 treatment by skilled practitioners at home: viz. (1) by 
 means of preservative applications, so that natural 
 decay and the ravages of insects, etc., may be pre-
 
 PRESERVATION. 17 
 
 vented ; (2) by immersion and packing of specimens, 
 on proper[principles, in spirit, or in pickle. Convenience 
 and obvious desirability will rule the adoption of either 
 plan, and the application of it to particular specimens. 
 Animals taken whole can be dissected ; and examples 
 of absolutely new species, or specimens of rare occur- 
 rence, may, at discretion, be transmitted thus with 
 many advantages. Generally pickle, or brine, preserves 
 natural colours of specimens better than spirit. 
 
 PRESERVATIVES ON THE FIELD. The skins of all mam- 
 malia, of fish, and of reptiles can be efficiently preserved 
 for transmission home, by the simple dry alum process; 
 but the skins of birds should be treated with arsenical 
 soap. These resources, simple as they are, will be found 
 sufficient, and they have this distinct advantage, that in 
 the ultimate treatment of the specimen for permanent 
 keeping, there are fewer difficulties to be surmounted by 
 the skilled naturalist or the curer of skins. When salt, 
 for instance, is used, or the lime of native Indian dressers 
 (the most destructive in the world), or the vegetable 
 curing of the Australian skins, there is often more 
 trouble to take out of the pelt the deleterious sub- 
 stance, so that the process of decay may be stopped, 
 than the specimen is worth. The skins of birds must 
 not be treated with alum, or they become fatally brittle; 
 the arsenical soap has a contrary effect, and softens the 
 skin. All specimens or examples of either genus must 
 be protected from the ravages of insects ; and to do 
 this the simplest means is the copious and judicious 
 application of spirit of turpentine ; but this must not 
 be applied to birds, because it dissolves the grease that 
 is more or less found in every bird-skin, and thus 
 the metallic colours of plumage become permanently 
 robbed of their brilliancy, and birds of white plumage
 
 18 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK 
 
 are soiled by a yellowish stain. Where, however, there 
 are no metallic colours to be preserved, the advantage 
 of turpentine as a preservative may be gained, if it be 
 applied lightly and with skill to the surface of the 
 feathers, and not poured over the skin, as we might do 
 with the skin of a mammal. The best way is to apply 
 it with a saturated pad of cotton wool. 
 
 THE ALUM PROCESS. The material to be employed is 
 powdered burnt alum. When the skin of a mammal has 
 been removed, the very first thing to do, without loss of 
 time, is to {t flesh it," which means to carefully clean 
 the pelt of all superfluous flesh or fat. This having been 
 done, spread the skin hair downwards and peg it out 
 flat, unless you have a frame or other better mechanical 
 means of stretching it. Of course of small animals 
 in some portions of which the bone is retained for 
 instance the leg the skin must not be pegged 
 out ; and indeed where means exist of avoiding it, do 
 not " peg out >} at all, as the skin is always somewhat 
 injured by that process, and sometimes is irreparably 
 torn, therefore avoid such injuries if you can. The 
 fact of drying induces shrinkage; so arrange your 
 skin that as it shrinks it cannot wrinkle into folds, for 
 in those, if anywhere, the ravages of insects will lie. 
 In cold climates, perhaps, pegging and stretching may 
 be avoided altogether. The skin having been spread 
 out flat with the pelt uppermost, proceed to rub in the 
 alum. This should be done with the hand carefully to 
 cover every portion, and the supply of alum should not 
 be stinted. It must be particularly applied to the lips, 
 ears, feet, and other fleshy parts that have been pre- 
 pared in skinning to receive the preservative (see p. 30). 
 The whole pelt having been treated thus by hand, 
 sprinkle it with the alum till it is regularly and well 
 covered. The skin should be left thus until it is
 
 PRESERVATION. 19 
 
 dry, and it will be found that the astringent alum 
 will dry it with rapidity. But during this time 
 it is most necessary to watch it well, so that if there 
 appear a tendency in any part of it to " taint," which 
 would cause the hair to "slip" or come off, the 
 preservative may be instantly applied on the hair side 
 as well as the pelt wherever requisite. When the skin 
 is dry it must be conveniently folded, hair side inwards, 
 for packing, that is if it be of large game and requires 
 folding. First turn the hair side up and pour turpentine 
 freely over it till the skin is thoroughly anointed. 
 Note that with long-haired animals the turpentine 
 reach the roots of the hair ; sprinkle the pelt side ; but 
 it is not necessary to anoint that so fully as the fur. It 
 is well, when convenient, to put some dry material in 
 
 the folds to prevent contact between the inside of the 
 skin and the fur ; and, as occasion may serve, the skin 
 should be unfolded and inspected, and more turpentine 
 or preservative applied to parts if necessary. In the 
 process just described the astringent alum is applied to 
 preserve the skin, and the turpentine to protect it 
 against insects. The ravages of these pests in a hot 
 climate, such as India, are indescribably vexatious, and 
 must be carefully guarded against. The principal of 
 all the marauders is a beetle about a quarter of an inch 
 long, of a dark dirty colour with a transverse band of 
 dull yellow; he does not often fly, being generally 
 more busily engaged on carefully collected skins ; but 
 he can fly. His common name and his scientific name 
 are " The Bacon Beetle;" or Dermestes Ladratus ; but as 
 
 c 2
 
 20 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 he is so veritable an enemy it is best not to rely on his 
 cognomen, but on instant recognition for immediate ex- 
 termination, therefore his portrait life-size is given on 
 page 19. Now this insect does not like any spirit; but 
 the one spirit he really dreads as fatal to his constitu- 
 tion is turpentine. In the colder climates benzine and 
 similar spirits are sometimes used and with efficacy, but 
 these evaporate more rapidly in warmer temperature, 
 and turpentine, if only because of its less rapid evapo- 
 ration, is at all times to be preferred. I have sometimes 
 unpacked trophies to discover the hair entirely removed 
 from the pelt by the exertions of the Dermestes ; and in 
 like manner I have received skulls in London that have 
 been imperfectly cleaned of flesh, from which I have 
 shaken hundreds upon hundreds of fattened lively 
 specimens. I gave them the turpentine they should 
 have had in India. Sometimes they will recover 
 activity after the milder influence of benzine. The 
 alum process is quite sufficient for Pachydermata. 
 
 PICKLE. Another process that is frequently most 
 convenient on shipboard, or, according to the con- 
 ditions, is that of "pickling." The skin having been 
 removed from the carcase and cleaned, instead of being 
 laid out for drying, should be thickly covered over the 
 flesh side with powdered alum, the lips, eyelids, feet, 
 etc., being particularly treated; then it should be 
 folded in a convenient form, and thus be immersed 
 in a barrel of brine, or what is technically called 
 "liquor" in fact, parts of alum and salt dissolved 
 in water, in the proportion of 6 Ibs. of alum and 
 3 Ibs. of salt, sea salt if possible. Dissolve both in 
 a small quantity of hot water sufficient to make a 
 gallon, and let the liquid cool before the specimen is 
 immersed. The skin must be sweet and fresh at the
 
 PRESERVATION. 21 
 
 time of placing it in pickle, or the operation will not 
 succeed. The vessel must be kept closed. A number 
 of skins may be placed in the same barrel, which is then 
 ready, when quite filled, and closed, for storing, or for 
 transit. If thought more convenient to make the 
 package lighter for travelling, the skins can, when 
 they have been thoroughly pickled for a few days, be 
 taken out, spread open and dried, then repacked. This, 
 however, is an operation requiring obviously great 
 judgment, as if it be imperfectly carried out the 
 consequence may be ruinous. 
 
 A conspicuous exemplification of the advantages in 
 this process of brine-pickling, was afforded by the 
 great elephant trophy brought from South Africa by 
 H. R. H. the Duke of Edinburgh. In this case the 
 system was adopted in manner following : The entire 
 skin of the mighty beast was preserved. The animal 
 was undoubtedly one of the largest examples ever 
 brought to this country of the African species. His 
 height at the withers was 10 ft. ; from tip of trunk to 
 tip of tail, 23 ft. 5 in. ; girth, 16 ft. 6 in. ; from top of 
 head to end of trunk, 11 ft. 3 in. ; circumference of 
 head, 10 ft. ; from ear to ear, 9 ft. ; length of ear, 4 ft. 
 6 in. The skull and tusks weighed more than 3 cwt. ; 
 the skin of the head when taken from pickle, weighed 
 3 cwt. 6 Ibs. The weight of the whole skin when taken 
 from pickle, was 20 cwt. 7 Ibs. The weight of the 
 entire elephant in the flesh was 4 tons 8 cwt. 4 Ibs. 
 On the field the skin, having been duly prepared, was 
 folded in this wise : the flanks with skin of legs and 
 feet were folded inwards, each half-way, so that the 
 inner surfaces or flesh side were outwards ; then the 
 skin of the head was in like manner turned back, the 
 trunk being disposed of longitudinally down the centre
 
 22 
 
 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 between the edges of the flanks ; and the tail end with 
 nether extremities was similarly folded back to meet 
 the trunk. The whole skin was then rolled as tightly 
 as possible round the head, and carefully tied at both 
 ends of the bale. In this condition it was placed in a 
 great barrel which was then completely filled with 
 
 liquor, and properly coopered for transmission to this 
 country. On arrival in London, when the head of the 
 barrel was removed, the perfect success of this mode 
 of transport was at once apparent. There was no 
 unpleasant odour. On taking out the mass and 
 unfolding the skin, it was noticeable that every part 
 of the surfaces had been properly acted on, and there
 
 PRESERVATION. 23 
 
 was not a single tainted fold. At that time it had 
 been upwards of a year in the barrel. The old pickle 
 was removed, the skin was refolded and restored to the 
 barrel with a supply of fresh liquor, and the cask was 
 re-coopered. In this manner the skin was preserved for 
 upwards of three years more, until the decision as to 
 how this great trophy should be treated was arrived 
 at. The magnificent head was mounted, and is now 
 in Clarence House; the feet (which supply an index 
 of his size) were utilised for ornamental purposes, 
 while the hide was cut up and converted to use; a 
 considerable portion being made into walking sticks, 
 that formed appropriate mementoes. 
 
 The skulls of large mammalia are always removed 
 from the skins. It is important for the proper preser- 
 vation of the skulls of Felidce, that they should be 
 protected from injury to, or loss of, the teeth. This is 
 best done as follows : When the skull has been boiled 
 (not too much or it loosens the sutures) or soaked, and 
 properly cleaned, and the teeth painted with wash 
 about half-an-inch thick, it should be tied up in a 
 calico bag and placed in a separate compartment of 
 the packing-case designed for it. Stuffing should 
 moreover be put into each compartment to prevent 
 the specimen from being shaken, and so injured. The 
 wash for teeth mentioned above can be well made of 
 wax; as the tooth dries it often splits up, the bony 
 structure as well as the enamel ; wax tends to prevent 
 this action. 
 
 It should be mentioned in case of need, that many 
 strong mineral and vegetable astringents can be used 
 with more or less success besides arsenic, alum, and 
 salt ; such as saltpetre, powdered green vitriol, or 
 sulphate of iron, corrosive sublimate, etc. It is also
 
 24 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 maintained that white arsenic applied in dry powder, 
 or mixed with spirits of wine to the consistency 
 of treacle, and put on with a brush, is the best 
 preservative of all. Of vegetable substances, gum 
 kino, oak bark, willow bark, catechu, powdered 
 nutgalls, or any such material rich in tannin, are 
 available; and strong spices or strong tobacco 
 powdered will keep off insects. A largo skin, in 
 default of anything better, may be plentifully dressed 
 on the inside with wood ashes. The virtue of wood 
 ashes really consists in their detergent properties ; for, 
 containing as they do a large proportion of potash, 
 the fat is thereby converted into soap, and sometimes 
 in this condition is immediately brought away by the 
 hand, or the scraper, and as a preservative, excepting 
 under difficult conditions, the effect is cleanly and 
 good. Remember that there is a difference in ashes, 
 depending on the wood employed. Oak is one of the 
 best. 
 
 FISH. The proper preservation of fish is un- 
 doubtedly a matter of some difficulty. Naturalists are 
 perhaps not generally aware of how few examples of 
 foreign fish reach this country in a condition that 
 admits of effective after treatment, or how special a 
 branch of the art it is to set them up effectively and 
 well. The ordinary processes are : (1) to plunge and 
 bottle them in spirits ; and we all know the effect of 
 that on the evanescent colouring, as well as on the 
 natural contour of the specimens ; (2) when they are 
 skinned (see p. 46), to apply alum to those parts 
 where the flesh cannot be perfectly removed, so that 
 it may be dried, and to apply arsenical soap on the 
 inside, for preservation of the skin. 
 
 KEPTILES. The skins of crocodiles, alligators, and
 
 PRESERVATION. 25 
 
 the larger reptiles having been removed (see p. 46), 
 must be manipulated as follows : Clean them of all 
 flesh as perfectly as you can ; this, however, cannot be 
 done very completely about the head, or the feet of a 
 large example, and to those parts alum must be 
 applied in plenty to dry up the flesh as well as may 
 be. The roof of the mouth can be cleaned, arid the 
 tongue must come away. With smaller specimens 
 that can be skinned over the skull to the lips, a similar 
 application must be made where it seems necessary. 
 To the inner parfc of the skins some arsenical soap, or 
 wood ashes may be put ; but, really, the preservatives 
 are not nearly so necessary as in the case of warm- 
 blooded mammals. Indeed turpentine that will pro- 
 tect them from insects will afford nearly all the 
 protection they need. The skin can be rolled or 
 folded for transmission. With snakes, the skin dried 
 flat can be rolled from the tail like a ribbon, the belly 
 side inwards on account of the scales. Small speci- 
 mens of any species will go in spirits. Carbolic is a 
 useful agent in cleansing all reptiles. 
 
 IMMERSION IN SPIRIT. Something must be specially 
 said about this mode of preservation, for there is 
 absolute necessity that it should be properly carried 
 out, or nearly all the advantage of the resource is 
 neutralised. Either fish or reptiles, or even birds, that 
 may be sent home in spirits, should be treated in this 
 way : First provide a tub, or other convenient vessel, 
 full of the spirit, wherein the specimens can be put as 
 a preliminary measure, so that the mucus, water, etc., 
 may be drawn out of them. Before placing them in 
 this a moderate incision should be made, with as little 
 disturbance as possible, in the belly, so that the 
 spirit may permeate all parts. Keep the specimens
 
 26 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 in this spirit from a week to ten days, then transfer 
 them to fresh spirit, and let them remain in that for 
 about two weeks more, before finally you. remove 
 them to the vessel or vessels of spirit in which they 
 are to be packed for the remainder of the journey. 
 Reptiles, being less watery than fish, generally require 
 only one change. The first tub of spirit may be used 
 for more than one set of animals, but will of course 
 decrease in strength by the addition of the water 
 drawn from them ; the second spirit should be 
 stronger; the third quite strong enough to be readily 
 inflammable. They will then be safe for more than 
 six months, and can be sent home. Proof spirit, 
 diluted about one-half with water, is perhaps the best 
 to use, but rum or gin serves well. The specimens 
 can be packed for transmission in great numbers thus: 
 Wrap each fish or reptile in a piece of linen or cotton 
 rag, and arrange them to rest closely in an appropriate 
 vessel that can be then filled completely with spirit. 
 A wooden packing-case, well lined with tin, that can 
 be hermetically soldered up when quite full of the liquid, 
 serves well. Of insects, beetles can be transmitted 
 in spirit. 
 
 INSECTS. The majority of insects having been pro- 
 perly stored as directed (see p. 48), require little more 
 than a supply of camphor, or cyanide of potassium, to 
 protect them from decay. Mites sometimes appear in 
 them as an evidence of taint, and then the best means 
 for destroying the intruders is benzine. But some very 
 large moths, butterflies, and beetles require a different 
 treatment. In such cases the body must be opened by 
 a longitudinal section on that side not intended to 
 be displayed, and as much matter must be removed as 
 can be got away without ' impairing the specimen.
 
 SKINNING AND PREPARATION. 
 
 27 
 
 The cavity thus created should be filled with corrosive 
 sublimate in a dry powdered condition, and the incision 
 must be neatly and skilfully closed over it. 
 
 SKINNING AND PREPARATION. 
 
 THE apparatus necessary for the skinning of animals 
 is really very simple, and I strongly advise that it 
 
 VI 
 
 should be kept to the simplest proportions. It is the 
 skill with which the knife is wielded that is more im- 
 portant than the best of knives. A shoemaker's knife, 
 a small saw, a pair of pliers, and perhaps a pair of 
 cutting pincers, are all that are required for operating 
 on the most important game. Some small implements 
 for small specimens being added, this is all the kit 
 that need be carried. To understand the principle of 
 the thing, and to adapt that principle in practice with 
 ingenuity and judgment to the particular conditions 
 that present themselves, is the true learning ; and to
 
 28 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK 
 
 cumber the mind with numberless minute memoranda 
 of other travellers' experiences in emergencies that 
 may never be our lot, is an useless task. Enrich the 
 recollection with all that experience brings to bear on 
 the subject in deductions, to illustrate or to inform, 
 but not to copy simply of necessity. The best 
 operator is he who does what is right to carry out his 
 purpose, carefully, on true principles, according to the 
 means at his command, and the advantages of sur- 
 rounding conditions ; he who simply copies what others 
 have done in given circumstances, forgets, probably, 
 the conditions under which they succeeded, and that 
 the conditions are not necessarily the same in his case. 
 Let a man be master of the occasion and his position 
 will be good, even if it is different from any that has 
 gone before. Now what has to be done is simply 
 this, and the remark applies equally to large or small 
 game, mammalia, birds, reptiles, or -fishes. A beast 
 having been slain, or a specimen secured, we have to 
 remove the skin, preserving the exterior natural 
 features, as completely as possible ; then the skin cut 
 as little as may be because it would otherwise decom- 
 pose under the influence of climate, etc., such decay 
 must be averted by the application of preservatives, 
 and when it is packed so that it is protected, the 
 trophy may be sent home. But the preservative and 
 precautions necessary in an Indian or African climate, 
 may be modified in North America, and in highlands 
 or lowlands, in forests or exposed positions. There is, 
 in fact, no preservative, or book recipe, or tale of other 
 persons' experience, that can compare in value to 
 quick true judgment, and cultivated common sense. 
 I shall describe in as much detail as appears necessary 
 the skinning and preparation of one animal represen-
 
 SKINNING AND PREPARATION. 29 
 
 tative of each class ; and my reader must trust himself 
 to adapt the practice by the light of his own judgment 
 to the specimens, large or small, with which he may 
 have to deal; and he will soon find his practice surpass 
 in usefulness the most compendious (and cumbersome) 
 book of recipes and directions. 
 
 LARGE GAME. When the great game is secured, 
 and is ready for the operation, first turn the animal on 
 its back, and, stretching apart the fore and hind legs, 
 proceed to remove the skin. In all cases where the 
 skin is wanted entire, this is best done by making an 
 incision from the corner of the mouth, through the 
 medial line of the belly to the extremity of the tail ; 
 but in doing this cut only just through the skin, and 
 be careful not unnecessarily to injure the carcase, or 
 especially the intestines; next make lateral incisions 
 in order to strip the limbs ; for the forelegs from the 
 edge of the central incision through the armpit, along 
 the inner side of the limbs, the line of incision inclin- 
 ing slightly to the outer portion, in order that the 
 seam may be less perceptible when the perfect specimen 
 is mounted. A like process through the groin is 
 necessary for the hind legs. These incisions thus 
 made leave the skin in form of tongue-pieces over the 
 breast. First apply the knife to these points, and 
 detach the skin round to the spine and along the tail. 
 In doing so it is necessary to clear the limbs, and great 
 care must be taken to leave intact the natural features 
 of the foot. The last metacarpal and metatarsal bones 
 may be left in the skin, whether with the smaller 
 specimens of Felidcc or Cervidce ; but in the big animals 
 it is better to remove them altogether. Now turn over 
 the carcase, and draw back the whole skin over the 
 head, exercising particular care in separating the ears
 
 30 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 and the eyes from the skull. Similar care must be 
 taken as to the lips, for if the rim of the eyelids be 
 severed by the scalpel the injury spreads in a remark- 
 able manner, often so badly as to render the damage 
 seriously conspicuous. The ears should be parted from 
 the skull close to the bone, or the lower structure of 
 them will present too large an aperture. The lips 
 must be cut off close to the gums. Having thus 
 taken off the skin, it must be cleared of all superfluous 
 fat and flesh and all the fat and flesh is superfluous. 
 The cartilaginous portion of the ear must be turned 
 through. The lip must be treated thus : Pass the 
 knife betweeen the mucous lining and the outer skin all 
 round the mouth, so as to admit of the preservative 
 penetrating this thick portion of the specimen com- 
 pletely. The eyelids and the feet must each be 
 treated in a similar manner for the same reason. 
 Be careful that the claws or hoofs are well kept. 
 
 A fruitful source of trouble to the sportsman in 
 Ceylon, India, Africa, etc., is the proper treatment of 
 an Elephant's foot. This feature is a recognised trophy, 
 as well as the head, because it is a gauge of the size 
 of the specimen, and because in ordinary circum- 
 stances the skin of this mighty beast is so difficult of 
 transport, and although it can be converted by skill 
 into innumerable articles of domestic utility, the value 
 of it in private hands is not always appreciated. It 
 is different with the foot, excepting that it is particu- 
 larly adaptable for conversion into useful articles, 
 without impairing its natural history significance. 
 The foot should be severed at least eighteen inches 
 from the ground that is to say, the skin should be 
 severed. Cut the skin down the back of the foot 
 right across the sole to the toe ; a second cut must be
 
 SKINNING AND PREPARATION. 31 
 
 made across the sole so as to form a cross with the 
 first, but these incisions must not be carried so far 
 that they would be visible when the foot is imposed on 
 the ground. Now separate the skin from the flesh, 
 and bring the casing of the foot away in one piece. 
 Clean it carefully, and apply powdered alum both in- 
 side and outside, then place it to dry in the shade, 
 taking good care that the skin does not fold, and is in 
 all parts accessible to the air. It is not absolutely 
 necessary that the skin dry in natural shape, but it is 
 important that the foot be protected from insects, and 
 to this end, when the specimen is quite dry, saturate 
 it as far as possible with turpentine. Rhinoceros and 
 Hippopotamus can be treated in the same way. 
 
 Something must be specially said as to the head. 
 It frequently happens that it is desired to save the 
 head for preservation as a trophy, while the other 
 part of the skin is either abandoned or saved for a 
 rug. Heads with antlers or horns are prepared for 
 preservation either in the naked bone or to be set up 
 to imitate living nature. For this last, care must be 
 exercised to take the skin of the whole neck. Make 
 the incision up the back of the neck, over the head 
 between the ears until the horns are reached ; if they 
 are wide apart cut between them right and left, carrying 
 the incision right round the burr of each horn. In 
 separating the skin from the burr the knife should be 
 used neatly with a plunging action of the point, so that 
 not a particle of hair or skin be sacrificed at this part. 
 He is a bad workman who leaves a morsel of the skin 
 attached to the bone. In clearing the scalp be very 
 careful not to let the knife injure the skin ; the knife 
 must be deftly used. But there are other features 
 with which this skill is more important still to wit,
 
 32 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK 
 
 the eyes, the nostrils, and the ears. The delicate skin 
 round the eye is nearly hairless ; it must not on any 
 account be torn or jagged. In a head the eyes and 
 the nose are the most prominent parts, first claiming 
 notice. In treating the nostrils and upper lip operate 
 from inside the mouth ; sever the lip neatly high up 
 the gum, over the teeth ; and in like manner detach 
 the lip below. The skin will present in these portions 
 a particular thickness, into which, from the inside, a 
 neat midway incision must be carried all along, so that 
 the preservative may penetrate and be carefully rubbed 
 into the cut to the end that these parts may be saved 
 properly. The alum process is best; but if more con- 
 venient the skins may be preserved in pickle (see p. 20). 
 Clean the skin well of all fat and flesh ; rub in the 
 alum, but not on the outside of the nose, and hang up 
 the skin to dry. If there should appear any likelihood 
 of the short hair round the eyes and nostrils slipping, 
 apply some alum judiciously there. Be sure to save 
 the lower jaw. When the head is of Wapiti, and is to 
 be set up thus, it may be a matter of great convenience 
 to pack the horns, and to do that the skull, to which 
 they are attached, may be sawn in two, longitudinally, 
 by which much space maybe gained. But if the trophy 
 is to be mounted in the naked bone, this severance is 
 quite inadmissible, and it should in no case be adopted 
 with smaller heads, which are, in fact, almost destroyed 
 by it, the skull is thereby weakened, and at the end of 
 the journey broken to pieces. Such a state of things 
 necessitates great extra labour and expense even if the 
 injury can ever be repaired. Some North American 
 trophies recently received have come in a deplorable 
 condition from this sort of injury, by which neither 
 convenience nor economy can have been secured. For
 
 SKINNING AND PEEPAEATION. 33 
 
 preservation in the bone, the flesh may be roughly 
 taken off, and the skull be cleaned by boiling, by 
 maceration in a stream, or by burying it for a proper 
 time in an ant-hill. But be sure and keep the 
 specimen from dogs or other animals. In regard to 
 the ears, when the skin is off, and you have separated 
 the cartilage close to the bone, trim it neatly with the 
 scissors of all that is not wanted inside, but do not take 
 too much, or an unsightly hole may appear when the 
 head comes to be mounted. Next insert the thumb 
 and finger from the inside so as to separate the inner 
 from the outer skin, forming, as it were, a flat bag; 
 do not carry this separation too near the edges. Into 
 the division preservative must be carefully put. It is 
 my practice to fill the space with composition, which 
 keeps the ear for ever the proper size and shape. The 
 old way of sewing a piece of card on the outside is not 
 good, it allows the skin to shrivel and shrink, and its 
 natural beauty is seldom or never to be restored. Some 
 horns (as Ovis Ammori) have "bearers," or a bony core, 
 from which the horns may be detached and packed 
 separately ; in this instance the skull should be kept, 
 and so much of the bearers as seems superfluous may 
 be removed. 
 
 SMALL MAMMALIA. These can be preserved for 
 dissection and preparation, when necessary, in spirit ; 
 or, as described in the cases of large skins, in liquor. 
 When they are treated thus, incision must be carefully 
 made in the trunk, and the intestines, with as much 
 blood, mucus, etc., as possible removed ; the liquid will 
 then penetrate, and the carcase should be soaked in 
 spirit or liquor for some time, in order that the juices 
 of the body may be drawn out into it, and then the 
 specimen should be removed into fresh spirit, strong
 
 34 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 enough, to light with a match, and so packed. The 
 receptacle should be quite full. 
 
 In preparing the skin the following course should 
 be adopted : the skull and the bones of the legs are to 
 be left in the skins. The animal being placed on its 
 back, make incision from the sternum (breast-bone) to 
 the root of the tail, next separate the skin from the 
 carcase, so far as can be conveniently reached, and sever 
 the limbs from the body at the shoulders and thighs. 
 Each limb can then be drawn out as a glove might 
 be turned inside out but the bone must not be 
 separated at its junction with the toe, or the skin of 
 the foot or leg be in any way injured. Now remove 
 the muscles from the bone. This can best be done by 
 cutting the tendons near the toes, and carefully drawing 
 the whole mass away at one operation. It must come 
 in one piece, not piecemeal. The bone will now be 
 clean. Clean the skin of the limb, and at the same 
 time the other parts of the skin of all superfluous flesh 
 and fatty matter. Dress the inside with arsenical 
 soap, and apply freely powdered alum all over it, but 
 particularly to the fleshy parts, as the eyes, nose, lips, 
 feet, etc. Then replace the bones in the limbs, having 
 previously, if possible, bound them with tow, or similar 
 material, so as to replace the muscle that has been 
 removed. Place a portion of stuffing in the skin 
 of the head and trunk, and suspend the specimen 
 to dry. 
 
 The tail must be treated in this way : sever the 
 vertebrae from the trunk close up to the body, leaving 
 the tail in its sheath. Turn back the skin until enough 
 of the tail protrudes to fasten securely with a string, 
 that can be attached to a hook, or tree, or other firm
 
 SKINNING AND PREPARATION. 35 
 
 holding. Then with a cleft stick, or the handle of 
 your pliers, pull the skin sheath down toward the tip, 
 and the vertebrce will come away whole, wrinkling the 
 skin to the end. Shake powdered alum into the 
 cavity, or, if preferred, insert arsenical paste on a 
 stick. 
 
 SKELETONS. When it is. desired to save the skeleton 
 of an animal, the procedure should be this : Having 
 removed the skin, cut the fleshy parts away ; this 
 need not be done too closely, neither is it necessary 
 nor desirable in the operation to separate the joints. 
 The bony frame, or its portions, should next be placed 
 where they can be covered by water, the object 
 being first to extract all blood, therefore it is well, 
 as occasion requires, to pour off and renew the water, 
 until it comes away comparatively clear. The next 
 operation is to leave the skeleton in the liquid till the 
 soft portions putrefy, and so leave the bone clean. 
 The large bones that contain marrow must be 
 perforated at either end, where the holes will be 
 least observed, and returned to the water. They 
 will come clean in due course like the others. The 
 complete operation of this putrefying will occupy 
 several months, but is expedited by a warm temperature. 
 When the decay of the fleshy matter is complete, the 
 bones must be cleaned by hand, and should then be 
 immersed for a few (say 6) hours in a weak solution 
 of lime-water. The bones are by this time quite 
 separated, and it is all-important to care that not one, 
 even the smallest, be missing; the loss of one little 
 portion vitiates the usefulness of all a skeleton incom- 
 plete in any part is of no value. The bones must next 
 be bleached by the simple action of the atmosphere in 
 
 D 2
 
 36 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 the shade. If the operator be abroad the bones may 
 then be packed for transmission; if he be where 
 skilled assistance can be obtained, they are fit for 
 articulation. 
 
 BIRDS. Having seen that the cotton plugging of 
 the throat, nostrils, and the shot-holes is safe, the first 
 operation is to break the wing-bones (humeri) close to 
 the body. If the bird be a large specimen, the most 
 convenient and effectual way to do this is to hold the 
 bird pendent by his wing against the edge of a table 
 or board, so that the bone may be fractured by the 
 sharp blow of a stick, with as little rough treatment as 
 may be. But the doing this skilfully is indeed the 
 gist of the whole work ; there is a proper way of doing 
 it. The wing must be held by the upper feathers, 
 pressed flat by all the fingers against the palm, so that 
 the manipulation do not crush, or even seriously dis- 
 turb the lay of the fibre. The blow with the stick 
 must be a firm quick stroke of sufficient strength to 
 complete the fracture, not simply to bruise the flesh, 
 or so rough as in breaking the bone to unduly mangle 
 it. The firmness of the board or table-edge is a great 
 element in the neatness of this operation. The action 
 of the hand will best be seen on the accompanying 
 illustration. 
 
 This is the method for treating large birds. In 
 the case of small specimens that is anything less in 
 size than a blackbird the same bone may be well 
 broken by the thumb and finger, or at most by the 
 forceps. The wing-bone being thus broken, place the 
 bird on his back, the head toward you, in order that 
 your knife may, what is technically called, " go with 
 the grain of the feather." By this I mean that the 
 point of the knife should be deftly inserted under the 
 skin just at the end of the breast-bone ; raise the skin
 
 SKINNING AND PREPARATION. 
 
 37 
 
 till it bags, then press the knife forward in one clean 
 continuous incision down to the vent, so that the skin 
 
 be separately severed, but the flesh remain uninjured. 
 Amateurs are constantly inclined to make their first 
 incision from too high or too low a point; and the
 
 38 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK 
 
 mistake of injuring the stomach in any part is another 
 danger that besets them. The opening thus made in 
 the skin should be no larger than is necessary for the 
 withdrawal of the body. For this purpose only is it 
 made. Indeed with birds that have breasts of 
 
 specially beautiful plumage and short feathers, as well 
 as with divers, and aquatic birds, it is often desirable 
 to make the incision under the wing. The great object 
 is to get the body out of the skin in the cleanliest 
 fashion, and so that none of the internal grease or juices 
 soil the plumage. The overwhelming advantage then 
 of a neat operation, so that the body remain practically 
 unbroken, will be apparent at once. Sometimes it 
 may be desirable to take the body out through the 
 back, when the incision is made in the same manner 
 as it would be on the breast. In fact the features to 
 be specially preserved will rule the operator's choice in 
 this respect. I, however, now suppose that the cut is 
 made from the breast-bone as seen in the illustration.
 
 SKINNING AND PREPARATION. 
 
 39 
 
 Now put down the knife, and use the hands only, 
 for the fingers are the best instruments. Insert the 
 fingers under the skin on one side, and clear the skin 
 
 from the flesh in all accessible parts. That done, 
 insert below the skin a sufficient quantity of dry 
 plaster of Paris, or such other similar material as, 
 wanting plaster of Paris, you may be compelled to use 
 to absorb such blood or other moisture as may at 
 the moment be present. Treat the corresponding side 
 in like manner. Next proceed to force out the leg. 
 In order to do this, hold the leg firmly above the 
 joint, and force the thigh through the aperture, at the 
 same time carefully drawing off the skin ; insert the 
 point of the scissors below the flesh next the bone, and
 
 40 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 move tliem skilfully up between the bone and muscle, 
 until, by raising the right hand a little, the scissors can 
 be made to nip the bone transversely just against the 
 joint ; cut the bone through and you can then thrust 
 
 it out naked from the flesh, and with the scissors cut 
 the tendons next the tarsus, and the whole muscle of 
 the thigh will come away in one piece, leaving the 
 
 bone clean. This bone 
 must be cut near the 
 femur joint, leaving 
 the head of the bone 
 which is useless with 
 the flesh attached to 
 the thigh and body. 
 The bone, when thus freed, should appear as above. 
 Having treated both legs thus, skin up to the root of the 
 tail, but in severing the vertebrce leave the whole trian- 
 gular projection in which the feathers are imbedded
 
 SKINNING AND PREPARATION, 
 
 41 
 
 for after treatment. It is a common error to cut this 
 portion too low down, and much trouble results. Now 
 
 turn the bird 
 chest down- 
 ward in order 
 to skin the 
 back. This is 
 operation 
 requiring 
 more care than that 
 front, because 
 the thin skin has to 
 carry larger quills, 
 and they are rela- 
 tively more difficult 
 to manipulate. The 
 specimen is now 
 lying breast down- 
 ward on the table, 
 the head towards 
 you. The whole 
 skin of the tail can 
 be drawn over the 
 back, where the 
 skin can be cleared 
 by the blunt side of the scalpel, and the body will 
 thus be freed down to the wings. Here free the 
 body by cutting the flesh through with the scissors at
 
 42 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 the point of fracture of the humerus, and thereupon 
 free the whole body from the skin until only the neck 
 remains to be severed, as shown in the illustration. 
 
 The next step is one requiring judgment and 
 dexterity. The head must be got away. With ducks, 
 geese, and similar birds, the head is too large to come 
 through the neck-skin, and, in such cases, an opening 
 must be neatly made from the back of the head, about 
 two inches down the neck, of sufficient size to 
 admit of the skull being removed for cleaning. 
 Through this orifice force the skull, skinning it 
 carefully until past the eyes, and in doing this pay 
 particular attention not to work any injury to the- 
 
 edges of the eyes, or to the ears ; these last should not 
 be rudely touched by the knife. Cut away the back 
 part of the skull, with neck, tongue, and palate. 
 Remove the brains and the eyes. The whole skin is 
 then in a condition to be cleaned and prepared. The 
 first thing to do now is to take away all fat and flesh, 
 and make your skin as cleanly as you can ; then dress 
 the inside with arsenical soap. Bind some tow round 
 the leg-bones where the muscle was, and restore them 
 to their proper position. Put some cotton-wool in 
 place of the eyes, and, having forced some of the 
 arsenical soap into the skull, return it to its place. In
 
 SKINNING AND PREPARATION. 
 
 43 
 
 the case of the large birds the specimen figured in our 
 illustrations is a goose the wing must be treated thus: 
 Open the skin from the outside along the bones as 
 shown below, removing the muscle, without disturbing 
 the hold of the feathers on the bone ; the quills here 
 join the bone. It is important to bear this in mind, 
 for if a serious error be made here the wing will be 
 shapeless. Small birds can be treated from the inside. 
 It is not desirable to use powdered alum to bird-skins t 
 
 as it tends to make them brittle. The specimen should 
 then be filled out by stuffing to the natural size, and a 
 band of paper placed round it in order to keep the 
 wings and other parts in proper position till dry. 
 During the whole operation, wood dust, or other dry 
 powder should be freely employed to absorb blood and 
 grease, so that the plumage may be kept clean. 
 
 When the skin of a specimen has been taken off in 
 manner set forth above, there is a proceeding which it 
 is important to observe, that is called technically
 
 44 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 "making the skin." This is in reality a part of the 
 operation of skinning, indeed that part of it which 
 consists in finishing the work in a workmanlike manner. 
 While the skin is fresh and supple it must be so dis- 
 posed that as it dries it may take proper form rather 
 than distortion, and much after-trouble will be saved. 
 The skin, as it is inside out, must be cleaned this is 
 indispensable and the arsenical soap properly applied. 
 Directly that is done, it is well to sprinkle the surface 
 of the soap with some dry powder say plaster of 
 Paris, so that in handling the adhesiveness of the 
 paste may not be inconvenient. It will be noticed that 
 the skin between the wings, when raised from the 
 bony structure, exhibits among the quills certain bare 
 places. Now these would be most unsightly if they 
 appeared prominent on the finished specimen. The 
 tendency of the hollow skin, at this part especially, is 
 to be too large, and it is better for after-operations 
 that the skin should rather be contracted that expanded 
 to anything approaching looseness. In setting up the 
 bird, it is far easier to stretch the skin, if required, 
 than to contract it ; and now is the time to catch up 
 and stow away any seemingly superfluous folds. These 
 are most conspicuous on the back. To get rid of 
 them, tie the wing-bones inside with a thread that 
 shall lie across the back, and draw the wings together 
 as near as in judgment they may best represent the 
 position in life. This will enable the feathers to cover 
 in the naked skin, that would otherwise appear, and 
 will give solidity, so to speak, to the plumage at this 
 part. This is little present trouble, but is the saving 
 of infinite trouble in the future, and is of great con- 
 sequence for the beauty of the bird. Having done 
 this, turn the plumage out, but be careful in doing so
 
 SKINNING AND PREPARATION. 45 
 
 not to fracture the skin of the neck. Use the scissor- 
 forceps to fill in the neck with cut tow ; fill in the 
 body ; smooth the feathers into proper position, and 
 your whole bird into proper shape. Place a paper 
 band round the wings, that they may set in good 
 position. Small birds can conveniently be slipped into 
 a cone of paper. 
 
 It may sometimes fall to the lot of the traveller to 
 secure an albatross, and at the same time he may 
 not always know what to do best with his unwieldy 
 and not very rare specimen. If he does not care to 
 preserve it whole, he may well be reminded that there 
 are some parts of it which may be profitably saved. 
 The long tubular wing-bones are prized for pipe- 
 stems, to which they can be adapted well ; the great 
 web-feet will make beautiful tobacco pouches when 
 properly prepared, or a curious small work-bag for a 
 lady can be formed of the same trophies. The wing- 
 bones must be carefully cleaned : a good way is to 
 open the orifice at each end, and boil them ; or they 
 can be macerated in water. The foot should be 
 treated thus : sever the bone above the knee ; cut the 
 skin down the back of the shank and heel ; insert the 
 thumb and finger you must not use any sharp 
 instrument so as to separate the web on both sides 
 from the bony structure of the toes ; do this down to 
 the outer talons, and so that the toes can be drawn 
 out of the web-pouch now formed; sever the talons 
 from the bones on the inside with the scissors, leaving 
 the talons attached outside ; clean the skin neatly, 
 and dress it well with arsenical paste ; fill the pouch 
 with wool, or tow, or sawdust, to keep it in shape. 
 Of course the utilisation of parts of birds and animals 
 in this way is mainly a question of inventiveness and
 
 46 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 ingenuity, for many natural features may be adapted 
 to the most useful and ornamental purposes, while at 
 the same time they retain the character of trophies. 
 The leg-bones of the Flamingo are long and have 
 an elegant curve they will form admirable pipe- 
 stems ; the teeth of animals can be adapted orna- 
 mentally in many ways ; the talons of a tiger, or the 
 hoof of an antelope, or the tusk of a boar, may, as 
 well as antlers and more pretentious features, be 
 employed for adornment or use; and there is just 
 this advantage, that they may in some circumstances 
 be saved, when the whole trophy has to be abandoned. 
 
 Birds can be kept in spirit, and this mode is 
 particularly useful for the preservation of young birds 
 in the down, very small specimens, etc. 
 
 REPTILES AND FISH. As a general rule large speci- 
 mens are skinned and preserved in similar manner to 
 birds, although with reptiles alum may be used, espe- 
 cially on the thicker portions of the skin ; but small 
 specimens are kept in spirit. It must rest with the 
 traveller himself to determine which course is best for 
 saving the particular example he has secured. When a 
 fish is skinned whole, he must be laid out carefully on 
 a board, and the incision must be made not down the 
 belly but along the centre of the least important side, 
 from gill to tail. The object is to remove the body 
 from the skin, with the least possible disturbance of 
 the scales, etc. The skin can be manipulated neatly 
 from each side of the incision. When, in this opera- 
 tion, you come to the base of fins, cut the obstruction 
 inside the skin with the scissors, but with judgment, 
 so as not to sever them too closely, that they may not 
 be unsettled. Cut in like manner the vertebrce next 
 the base of the head, and next the extremity of tho
 
 SKINNING AND PREPARATION. 47 
 
 tail ; then, if need be, cut them also in the middle so 
 that the flesh may be taken away in two pieces ; but 
 this is a matter of convenience, and must be made to 
 subserve the all-important point of not disturbing, 
 bending, or otherwise injuring the skin, for the scales 
 that constitute the characteristic beauty to be pre- 
 served are very fragile and easily detached, and to 
 break or detach them is fatal to the value of the 
 specimen. Clean the head as well as you can, and 
 then paint the whole interior surface of the skin with 
 arsenical paste and apply the same preservative to the 
 head, into the cavities of which cotton wool may be 
 
 pushed. The body should be filled with dry sawdust 
 up to its natural shape ; next draw the edges of the 
 orifice together with neat stitches. The fins and tail 
 must then be treated. These, while wet and pliant, 
 must be set out in natural form on pieces of card, so 
 that they may dry as they are intended to be displayed. 
 The specimen can now be put on one side to dry. 
 
 This process, however, rather presupposes the 
 opportunity for quiet treatment at home. When the 
 naturalist is on the field, shorter means may be used. 
 The skin being removed and dressed with arsenical 
 soap, may be left to dry in convenient form. The 
 skins can then be packed together, and it will be 
 found useful to pack with them some light stiff
 
 48 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 material like thin wood, dried rushes, etc., that dis- 
 posed longitudinally will prevent the possibility of the 
 brittle skins being bent accidentally. 
 
 The smaller fish and reptiles, when preserved in 
 spirit, should be saved in form as uninjured as possible. 
 Carefully preserve the natural appearance of the 
 creature so far as may be ; and it is very important 
 that on a label (of tinfoil or paper) attached to the 
 specimen itself, or to the receptacle wherein it is 
 placed, should be noted a sufficient description of it 
 made at the moment it is fresh before you, especially 
 
 of colours and appearances and features which may 
 disappear or be altered by the spirit, unless the species 
 be quite well known and these details are manifestly 
 unnecessary. Be particular as to the locality in which 
 the specimen has been captured. 
 
 INSECTS. The ingenuity displayed by the collector 
 in capturing and storing insects is often a personal 
 quality, and the methods that may be adopted are 
 almost infinite. The general methods most approved 
 are all that can be referred to here. Butterflies, 
 moths, and some other species, whose beauty is in 
 their colouring and is very fragile to the touch, must 
 be treated for storage and preservation in a different
 
 INSECTS. 49 
 
 way from beetles and insects of similar class. In fact, 
 all excepting the first named may be preserved in 
 spirit so soon as captured for after treatment, and 
 they need not be injured by the process. For 
 permanent display in the cabinet, all insects must 
 be properly set out the Lepidoptera with distended 
 wings, and the Coleopterous insects in suitable posi- 
 tion. They should be killed the instant they are 
 captured, to prevent injury resulting from efforts to 
 escape. A gauze net is generally used. When a 
 butterfly is got into it, the collector watches his oppor- 
 tunity while the insect is still in the gauze, and so 
 soon as it closes its wings he lightly and sufficiently 
 pinches its thorax between his thumb and finger. The 
 butterfly falls from the net dead and uninjured. The 
 specimen must not be handled excepting to pick him 
 up by the legs, holding which the wings may be slightly 
 blown apart and a proper pin pushed through the 
 body, so that the specimen with closed wings may 
 at once be stored in the collecting box, or if the 
 creature be not quite dead the pin can be inserted on 
 the under part of the cork in the cyanide bottle, and 
 the specimen kept there till dead. Butterflies should 
 be stored thus with folded wings, until they are re- 
 quired to be set out for the cabinet. When the col- 
 lector reaches home, he can store the contents of his 
 pocket box, by putting each specimen in a small 
 triangular envelope of paper, outside which a note 
 may be made. Hundreds can be stored in small space. 
 Moths, on account of their greater rotundity, must 
 not be treated in exactly the same manner by pinching. 
 They are not frequently captured in the gauze, and 
 are best killed in the cyanide bottle, or by the applica- 
 tion of a little prussic acid. They are conveniently
 
 50 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 taken home in separate pill-boxes. Beetles, etc., may 
 as a rule be well preserved in spirit, which kills them 
 forthwith ; or they can be killed in the cyanide bottle. 
 When the time arrives for arranging insects for the 
 cabinet, the Butterflies can be relaxed by placing them 
 for a time on wetted sand, or exposing them to steam. 
 The wings, legs, etc., can then easily be set out by 
 the aid of small pieces of card on pins (see figs. E, F). 
 Beetles, etc., should be set out while they are wet when 
 taken from the spirit (see p. 26 as to preservatives). 
 
 In England, and on the Continent of Europe, many 
 entomologists now study the exotic species, which they 
 can obtain from friends or correspondents residing 
 abroad, either in the ovum or egg state, or in the 
 chrysalis or pupa state. Most people know that from 
 the eggs (ova) of Butterflies and Moths come out 
 caterpillars or larvce. These larvae, moult several 
 times, and after each moult, in some species, there is 
 a remarkable change in the colour of the larva. The 
 larvffi of many species of Lepidoptera go into the 
 ground to change into the pupa state, and sometimes 
 they form a shell in the ground ; some turn into pupce
 
 INSECTS. 51 
 
 in leaves, others on the ground in a sort of web. The 
 pupce of Butterflies are most often found on grasses, 
 twigs of shrubs, or on trees ; others on walls or 
 fences. 
 
 The pupce of many species of Bombyces are in- 
 closed in cocoons most often found on trunks, and 
 especially on branches of trees. Some of these cocoons 
 are remarkable by their size and the beauty of their 
 silk. When the leaves of the trees have fallen, these 
 cocoons are easily seen hanging from the branches. 
 
 E 
 
 In some species of Lepidoptera, the imagines (perfect 
 insects), male and female, are very much alike, but the 
 body of the <$ is larger than that of the ? . The 
 Moths of the male Bombyces have antennce (horns) 
 very much more pectinated than those of the female ; 
 the body of the latter also is generally much larger. 
 Persons wishing to rear the larvae, should keep the 
 Moths in cages, in order that the eggs may be secured. 
 With respect to the rearing of the larvce of large 
 Bombyces, the following plan may be adopted, till the 
 second or third stage. Use large bell-glasses, with a 
 
 E2
 
 52 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 few holes in the dome, or glasses open at the top, 
 which in this case must be covered with gauze. Place 
 these glasses on saucers full of sand covered with a 
 piece of paper. Through the paper stick into the 
 sand some branches of the food plants proper to each 
 species. Place the young larvce on these. Under bell- 
 glasses, which, of course, must be placed in the shade, 
 no water is required to keep the little branches fresh, 
 and the young larvce, which are apt to wander till the 
 first or second moult, cannot escape. When the larvce 
 are large, it is best to rear them on large branches 
 plunged in water, and without the glass covering. 
 This refers to the rearing of the large silk-producing 
 Bombyces, and of all those forming some sort of 
 cocoon. When the larvce have to bury themselves to 
 change into pupce, it is of course necessary to rear 
 them in a box, containing a few inches of mould. 
 This method should always be adopted when the habit 
 of the larvce is not known. Breeding cages, which, 
 as a rule, should always be large, must have their sides 
 of perforated zinc to give air. Cages ought to open 
 by the middle, like two boxes open on one side, and 
 placed one over the other, and fastened by hinges. 
 
 When pupce have to be sent to England from very 
 distant countries, especially if they have to cross the 
 tropics, they can be conveniently transmitted in small 
 strong boxes by sample post ; each box not to exceed 
 eight ounces, and to be registered, but place the stamp 
 where the stamping will do no harm. The pupce 
 should be sent as soon as they are formed ; and if 
 underground pupce they should be placed in soft damp 
 moss. The boxes should also have a few holes in the 
 sides to admit air. 
 
 If boxes containing pupce or ova of Lepidoptera
 
 SETTING-UP. 53 
 
 could be placed in the ice-house on board ship, which 
 would retard considerably the emergence of the Butter- 
 flies or Moths and the hatching of the eggs, valuable 
 species could be sent from very distant countries. 
 Salmon ova were thus safely forwarded from England 
 to Australia and Tasmania. 
 
 ARTISTIC SETTING-UP OF TROPHIES. 
 
 IN order to reproduce the life-like form of any animal 
 by the employment of its preserved natural features, 
 not only technical skill, but knowledge and artistic 
 feeling are necessary to the production of a worthy 
 work. Formerly, the process aptly termed "stuffing" 
 was employed. The results were seldom or never of 
 more that a relative value, especially in regard to the 
 mammalia. The fact was too often ignored that the 
 use of astringents, necessary to preserve a skin, in- 
 variably distort it, that this distortion differs even in 
 several parts of the same skin, by reason of the 
 varying thickness or even the condition of health in 
 which the animal was killed ; for instance, the skin of 
 a fat animal is liable to undue expansion, that of a 
 poor beast, to peculiar contraction ; and mere stuffing 
 can give only an untrue representation of the living 
 creature. It is therefore incumbent upon the operator, 
 firstly, to make himself thoroughly acquainted with 
 the habits of the animal in a state of nature ; and 
 next to choose some incident of the creature's living 
 existence which he desires his specimen to illustrate. 
 This will enable him to arrive at his design. He must 
 then make himself acquainted not only with the bony 
 but the muscular structure of the animal, by which
 
 54 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 knowledge he can, if he have the proper technical and 
 artistic skill, produce a model, whereon he can properly 
 place the skin and other natural features of the speci- 
 men, so as to make as perfect a representation as 
 practicable of the living animal, in form and detail, 
 and of the creature's living habits in his design. 
 This is the only course whereby noble trophies can be 
 made to have more value than a paper description of 
 them would possess. On the individual skill, know- 
 ledge, and taste of the artist depends the real value 
 of the work, in the same way as that of the sculptor, 
 or painter, is in degree to be estimated. 
 
 A typical animal to illustrate the propositions laid 
 down above is the Tiger, because of his various and 
 picturesque habits, his magnificent proportions, and 
 great beauty. I shall, therefore, describe the setting- 
 up of a specimen of this feline in detail. But here a 
 qualifying observation must be made. No book de- 
 scription can adequately convey all that should be 
 known. To learn what is necessary the personal in- 
 struction of a good teacher, and the smallest modicum 
 of experience, is worth more than any printed course 
 of instruction, however ostensibly complete. We will, 
 then, suppose that a perfect skin, in good condition, 
 has been procured. Let us select the simplest action 
 of the creature, viz., his stealthy walk through a 
 grassy jungle, which is his habitat, when his peculiar 
 expression is that of constant caution, whether he be 
 in retreat, or advancing, with the snarl of ready offence 
 which is habitual with him. This is the design. As 
 digitigrade quadrupeds, the cats walk on their toes, 
 and the claws then being retractile are concealed. The 
 left hind leg and the right fore leg, or vice versa, are 
 used together in progression. There is a difference in
 
 SETTING-UPLARGE GAME. 55 
 
 the pose of the ear to express alertness, caution, or 
 anger. In the first case the ear is erected ; the ear is 
 partially depressed when the beast is only cautious, 
 but in anger, or incipient anger and alarm, the ear is 
 levelled with the skin of the head. We will choose 
 the semi-depression. The mouth should be partially 
 open, showing the teeth and tongue, but the lip not 
 raised, the expression being that of slightly panting. 
 In order to produce this design, first study the skin 
 and form a judgment of its natural dimensions, as to 
 height, bulk, etc. A distinct preparation of the skin 
 is necessary as a preliminary to this. It must be what 
 is technically called " shaved " or " fleshed." This 
 process consists in first softening the raw skin which 
 is most often native-dressed with lime by sponging 
 the flesh plentifully with liquor. The skin is then 
 placed on a rounded beam conveniently, and what is 
 termed the " pelt " the enderma, in fact is removed, 
 by scraping and shaving, with a currier's knife, the 
 edge of which is turned peculiarly for the purpose. 
 This, in reducing the substance of the skin, renders it 
 elastic and better adapted for use on the model, which 
 must be now constructed. The head, with the lips, 
 eyes, and burrs of the ears, as well as the feet, must 
 be carefully shaved with an ordinary knife, skilfully 
 manipulated. Now fold over the skin with the hair 
 outwards, so that the limbs accord with the intended 
 position ; measure the points and make the best esti- 
 mate possible under the conditions as to bulk, etc. The 
 limbs should be folded and the whole arranged as nearly 
 as may be to give the outline of the animal. 
 
 In making the model first deal with the trunk. 
 Two H-inch boards, 11 inches wide, of proper length, 
 should be glued, and what carpenters term " do walled"
 
 56 
 
 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 together by the edges. Place the skin as folded to 
 represent the animal flat on this board, and from it 
 draw thereon the outline of the trunk. Cut the board 
 to this outline to the inside of it, so that room be 
 allowed for the modelling of the muscles on this 
 framework. Get four sufficient iron rods f-inch is 
 the medium gauge for the legs, one for the tail, and 
 two to support the head. Bore a hole through the 
 board where the scapula or blade-bone would come. 
 Through this pass the rod till about 15 inches are on 
 
 the other side, then bend this portion sharp round at 
 right angles, to be fastened by staples firmly along 
 the board in the direction of the hind quarter. At 
 about 3 inches from the board bend the rod again, 
 and incline it forward at such an angle as represents 
 the natural position of the scapula; then bend the 
 rod back again for the humerus, and once more 
 forward for the ulna and radius, then shortly for the 
 carpal and metacarpal bones. This is the extent of 
 the rod, which must now be taken through a wooden 
 stand and fastened under it. It will be seen that this
 
 SETTING-UP LARGE GAME. 57 
 
 iron, which must be repeated exactly on the other 
 side, is intended to take the place of the absent bones, 
 and that it must stand away from the board just such 
 distance as the original bones would have occupied. 
 The hind legs should be treated in similar manner 
 (see diagram). The iron for the tail must be appro- 
 priately bent, and attached to the board in position; 
 as also the two irons to support the skull, which must 
 now be attached. 
 
 The next operation is to carve in soft wood the 
 bones and muscles of the limbs, keeping them small 
 enough to be finally covered with clay. I use a par- 
 ticular substance of my own invention for this model- 
 ling, and it dries as hard as marble without any 
 shrinkage ; it is never brittle. The first group, " The 
 Combat," that I was able to produce by this means, 
 was exhibited in the International Exhibition (1871), 
 in Division III. (Scientific Inventions and New Dis- 
 coveries.) The wood, representing bones, should be 
 made in pieces, much as a lay figure is made. The 
 pieces then being sawn through the centre longitudi- 
 nally, a hollow space should be cut down them, not 
 only to lighten them, but that they may be riveted 
 together over the iron, so that the rod occupies the 
 place, as it were, of marrow in the bone. 
 
 The trunk must be built up so as to be light and 
 hollow, but with an appropriate surface to receive the 
 clay. Behind the shoulder, midway, and next the 
 thigh, should be fixed, on either side of the central 
 board, segments of 1-inch board, of proportion suffi- 
 cient to give the required bulk, and to secure the 
 contour of the ribs, etc. A nearly circular board 
 must be shaped to distend the neck. Across the 
 edges of these boards coarse, strong convas must be
 
 68 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 neatly tacked, small laths being inserted at proper 
 places to prevent the canvas sinking. The rod which 
 is to support the tail must be covered with tow, 
 neatly bound on to the required form, and then in like 
 manner sewn up in the canvas. The same material 
 must also be extended over the skull, whereon the 
 fleshy excrescences must be represented cleverly by 
 tow. We have thus a complete light framework 
 covered with strong canvas, excepting the limbs. On 
 all necessary places over the whole framework a sur- 
 face of modelling clay is to be worked. The ribs and 
 prominent muscles of the trunk, the muscular develop- 
 ment of the shoulders and haunches, the joints and 
 extremities, must Jail be carefully modelled on. Ordi- 
 nary modelling clay is used ; and when the model is 
 finished, and nearly dry, paper should be pasted over 
 the clay to prevent it from breaking away. A good 
 method is to perfectly steep brown paper in a pailful 
 of hot paste. The softened paper can be put in small 
 pieces over the clay, and readily adheres. 
 
 The model is now completed and made ready to 
 receive the natural features of the animal. First 
 of all the eyes must be carefully adjusted in the most 
 natural manner ; the claws must be next inserted in 
 position. It remains to place the skin. This must 
 be again damped with liquor till quite soft, and in this 
 state it must be carefully arranged on the model. 
 First manipulate the head, paying particular attention 
 to adjust the lips, eyelids, and ears properly, so that 
 the required expression may be secured. It is ad- 
 visable now to tack together the edges of the skin in 
 certain places, as under the throat; the four joints 
 under the armpits, and at the groin, midway under the 
 belly, at intervals along the tail and the limbs. Adjust
 
 SETTING-UPHEAD TROPHIES. 59 
 
 the soft skin to the inequalities of the model, using a 
 " piercer " and the thumb. The seams must be care- 
 fully and neatly sewed up. A delicate and important 
 operation remains. The skin should fit perfectly all 
 the indentations of the model. In order to attain this, 
 the skin, when worked wet into the recess, should be 
 secured there wherever necessary by drawing pins, 
 which must not be withdrawn until the model is per- 
 fectly dry. Then, the pins being removed, the fur 
 can be cleansed in the usual way, viz. : rub with the 
 hands very fine mahogany dust all over the coat ; then 
 beat it with a fine cane and finish with a brush. The 
 tongue, which is modelled in clay, and tinted, should 
 now be placed in the mouth, where the tinting can be 
 finished. At the same time, the lips, eyes, and nose 
 can be tinted and finished. The pigment used should 
 be the finest tube oil colour. It is best before 
 painting to cover the mucous surfaces with hot wax, 
 which promotes the naturalness of the appearance 
 most materially. The whiskers which may have come 
 from the skin should be carefully replaced. 
 
 Accept it as a golden rule never to cut the sJcln. 
 
 The method described above is given on the pre- 
 supposition that the skin is one as ordinarily received 
 from India, cared by native practitioners. But in 
 cases where the skeleton of a beast is preserved, and is 
 available, much of the work may be saved by utilising 
 the bones, especially for the limbs ; and in any case 
 they furnish the true proportions of the animal, which 
 are so difficult for the inexperienced operator to arrive 
 at without them. 
 
 The mounting of Head Trophies is best achieved in 
 the following manner : If the head has been received 
 in pickle, the skin should be thoroughly cleansed in
 
 60 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 fresh cold water, and should directly afterwards be 
 shaved on the flesh side, as directed in the case of the 
 tiger skin. Whether it be the head of a Tiger, a 
 Stag, or a Bison, the process is the same. A proper 
 estimate must be taken of the length of neck. What 
 is called a neck-board must be prepared accordingly ; 
 that is a framework to which the skull is to be 
 attached, and whereon the skin of the neck can be 
 distended properly. This board is a flat piece of inch 
 deal, 11 inches wide, cut to the shape of the neck, as 
 the central board is shaped for the trunk of the tiger. 
 The construction is on the same plan, the form being 
 modelled in like manner. This neck-board is fixed to 
 a heart-shaped back-board, by means of which it can 
 be hung against a wall. The skull and horns having 
 been firmly fixed on the artificial neck, the skin should 
 be placed on the model and carefully adjusted. In well 
 prepared trophies the seam should be up the nape of 
 the neck, and the throat be intact. The nostrils, lips, 
 and eyelids of the Stag, or Bison, should be moulded 
 with artistic feeling and particular care, and clay 
 should be injected between the mucous and outer 
 skin of the lips, nostrils, and eyelids, so as to give 
 them the rotund, fleshy appearance they have in 
 life. It is better to insert the eye in its orbit before 
 the skin is drawn on. The ears must be manipulated 
 into shape while they are drying, and when the speci- 
 men is dry it can be cleaned in the usual manner. 
 
 Of small mammals the Squirrel will probably serve 
 best as an example, and in this instance I shall pre- 
 sume that the skin has just been removed from the 
 animal in a fresh condition, according to the method 
 fully described on page 32. It is always an advantage 
 to set up a skin while it is fresh. Prepare a body wire
 
 SETTING-UPSMALL MAMMALS. 61 
 
 about 12 inches long, and of the thickness of ordinary 
 whipcord; cover this with tow to the size of the 
 carcase that has been removed, and bind the tow 
 neatly with hemp ; in fact, shaping the tow as nearly 
 as possible to represent the form of the squirrel. For 
 a sitting position, bend the wire so that the artificial 
 body have the necessary arch of the back. The end 
 of the wire next the tail must be turned and concealed 
 in the body. Certain stitches through with a long 
 needle will assist materially in shaping the form and 
 strengthening the frame. A wire covered with the 
 requisite quantity of tow will form the tail. Four 
 wires, each about 8 inches long, will be required for 
 the limbs. Pass these wires severally through the 
 fleshy pad of the extremities, and bind the bones to 
 the wire with cotton, taking care to leave about 2 inches 
 of wire beyond the humerus and femur, so that they 
 may be passed into the frame of the body and clinched. 
 Next fill out each limb by carefully binding tow in 
 proper proportion round the bone. Never exceed the 
 natural size. The bones having been returned to the 
 skin and the limbs completed, the upper end of the 
 body wire should be cut so as to protrude only 1 inch 
 and then should be inserted in the skull, the whole 
 skin meanwhile being turned over the skull. A stitch 
 driven through from eye to eye will fasten the head 
 securely to the artificial neck. Small portions of tow 
 must be inserted where the flesh has been taken from 
 the skull, which can then be returned and the skin 
 drawn into its position. The limb wires can now be 
 inserted in the body and clinched. The skin having 
 been properly drawn over, the parts cau be neatly 
 sewed up, the limbs bent to their natural position, and 
 the wires of the feet passed through a stand so as to
 
 62 
 
 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 be secure. It will be found advisable to manipulate 
 the skin with the <e piercer " and thumb, in order 
 neatly to adjust it, and finish the specimen to taste. 
 The eyes should next be inserted by adhesive glue paste. 
 The fur should not be cleaned till the skin is quite dry. 
 
 Reptiles may be treated in precisely the same 
 manner. 
 
 Birds, when the skin has been properly removed 
 and dressed, as directed on pages 36-45, should be set 
 
 up in manner following. For example, a Pheasant, say 
 freshly skinned, should have a similar body wire to 
 that employed for the Squirrel, but proportionately 
 stouter to sustain the extra weight. The leg wires 
 should be half as stout again as the body wire, and 
 should be inserted at the back of the tarsus where the 
 tendon runs. The fleshy part of the thigh must be 
 made up in the same manner as directed in the case of 
 the Squirrel, while the body and neck is to be formed 
 on the body wire (see fig. A) in precisely the same 
 way. In the illustration, fig. A is the body wire;
 
 SETTING-UPBIRDS. 63 
 
 fig. B is the same dressed neatly with tow bound with 
 thread to the size of the bird's body ; similar wire must 
 be appropriately dressed for a long-necked bird. With 
 most birds the neck is almost hidden by the feathers ; 
 but some species have necks (like the Heron) requiring 
 special treatment. With the last named the substance 
 is formed on the wire. With the first mentioned but 
 little stuffing is needed, and that can be loosely in- 
 serted before the wire, which may be pushed through 
 it. One end of this body wire is thrust up the neck 
 and right through the skull, so that it appear right 
 through the top ; while the other end is made to pro- 
 trude from the other extremity to support the tail. 
 The leg wires must be inserted through the sole of the 
 foot and under the skin up the back of the leg where 
 the tendon was, until the pointed wire is worked be- 
 tween the thumb and finger to equal position with 
 the thigh-bone ; push this bone with the wire through,, 
 bind both with the requisite tow, and draw them back 
 into the skin of the thigh, then continue working the 
 wire on, until it has progressed enough to pierce right 
 through the tow on the body wire. The leg wires 
 must cross, and where they cross in the body they 
 must be firmly twisted together with the pliers, so that 
 the junction is covered by the tow. Much depends 
 on the firmness of this fastening. Next insert such 
 wool as may seem necessary to fill out the breast, and 
 sew the skin neatly up. Dress the feathers smooth 
 and bend your bird into shape, next wire him on to 
 his perch, or other stand, and so you gain use of both 
 hands. Place a short wire through the quills of the 
 tail to spread the feathers. Set the wings into posi- 
 tion with wires, and insert a pin wire into the back, 
 another into the breast; then, by means of these,
 
 64 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 lightly baste the specimen with cotton so that the 
 feathers may dry in proper position. The symmetry 
 and natural pose of the specimen should be a matter 
 of most careful study. No amount of technical skill, 
 or of imaginative power, will in the least compensate 
 truly for the knowledge of nature. To have seen the 
 bird healthy in his natural habitat, and to be able 
 to reproduce his natural behaviour and appearance, is 
 an inestimable advantage. We cannot all of us com- 
 mand that ; but we can do the next best thing, rely 
 on the information communicated by others who have. 
 My late father, when travelling with Audubon, accu- 
 mulated an inestimably valuable store of such informa- 
 tion; for it was the invariable practice t of that great 
 naturalist directly a specimen was secured, and before 
 any treatment of it, to have a sketch made of it, in the 
 carefully observed natural position of life, with record 
 of all colours and contiguous, or surrounding, natural 
 features. Nothing is worse than to give a pretended 
 character to a specimen, or to mount it with details 
 that are anachronisms such as to put ferns and 
 grasses with birds who never existed where such 
 ferns or grasses grew; or, to put seaweeds with 
 creatures who do not frequent the ocean or sea-shore. 
 The true sportsman-naturalist should esteem the record 
 of an animal's pose or habits in life as important as 
 any other record, so that when the specimen comes to 
 skilled treatment, the naturalness of it may be a 
 feature that enhances its value in every way. The 
 line of form in many animals is not given by the skin, 
 but by the fur, or feathers, as the case may be. He 
 spoils a restored specimen who destroys this character 
 by too much smoothing. By the eye and erection
 
 SETTING-UP BIRDS. 65 
 
 of the fur, the expression of anger is given. Some 
 birds have the power of erecting their feathers, their 
 crests, or position of their plumage, in token of 
 passion, or for purposes of cleaning their plumes, as 
 when a Pelican emerges from the water; and all 
 character is destroyed by the misapplication of neat- 
 ness, by too much tying down of feathers, or purpose- 
 less stroking of the fur. A test of proper treatment 
 is the setting-up of the neck. Too frequently the 
 neck is quite distorted by the stuffing, and elongated 
 out of all proportion in the finish. The carriage of 
 the head in nature is of paramount expression. When 
 a bird is dead the muscles of the neck become flaccid, 
 and the neck seems to be longer. This tendency is 
 often aggravated by unskilful treatment of the skin, 
 and destructive disproportion may result. It is a fault 
 to guard against, and an arrangement to be carefully 
 achieved. For instance, a Duck, sitting on the water, 
 shows but little length of neck ; sometimes, when at 
 rest, hardly any ; but the same bird in flight shows a 
 long neck. Some knowledge of drawing and of 
 modelling, seems to me to be essential to artistic 
 setting-up of animals; and the best of specimens, 
 inartistically mounted, are relatively worthless. 
 
 All the wire used for these operations should be 
 annealed iron wire. 
 
 The dried skins of foreign birds must be softened 
 and thoroughly relaxed before being manipulated for 
 setting up. This is best effected by placing the speci- 
 men in a closed box, on wetted white sand, covered 
 by paper, so that the evaporation may penetrate it. 
 The duration of this process must be determined by 
 the size of the bird ; one night is sufficient for small
 
 GG THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 skins. The necessary stretching of the shoulders and 
 other folded parts must be effected carefully, so as to 
 assimilate the specimen to a green skin. 
 
 The grouping and " fitting-up," as the ornamenta- 
 tion is technically called, of specimens is an important 
 point, and one the careful attention to which greatly 
 enhances their value even in a museum, where such 
 work is not ordinarily employed. Such addition to 
 the naturalness of the subject of ten affords opportunity 
 of, by little things, illustrating the habits and habitat 
 of the animals. To take a pheasant, for example : 
 Having set up the specimen, if it is intended to cover 
 it by a glass case, a few natural ferns, suitable to the 
 habitat of the bird, should be dried, and the faded 
 colour restored, where necessary, by tinting with oil 
 pigment. Grasses should be treated in the same way. 
 The surface of the structure on which the bird is 
 mounted or, in other words, the ground should be 
 formed of calico, tacked with taste over a wooden 
 framework to assume the required forms. It should 
 then be covered with small pieces of brown paper that 
 have been well soaked and softened in a mixture of 
 glue and whiting. A few loose stones and portions of 
 sand will readily adhere to this surface, and give the 
 required reality of appearance. But it is necessary 
 that these should not be applied until the surface is 
 sufficiently hardened to receive them without being 
 injured. An old root, pieces of lichen, and similar 
 features can be introduced according to taste, so that 
 they be accurately employed. The whole production 
 must be painted with care, wherever painting may 
 be necessary, so as to reproduce naturalness in the 
 greatest perfection. 
 
 It is essential that the plumage of birds should be
 
 CASTING FISH. 67 
 
 quite clean and as perfect as possible before tlie speci- 
 men is mounted. The best way of removing blood 
 stains or other impurities from feathers is as follows : 
 Dissolve a piece of pure pipeclay, about the size of a 
 walnut, in a short pint of warm water, then with a 
 portion of fine flannel steeped in this liquid, and 
 soaped thoroughly with best yellow soap, saturate and 
 rub the feather the right way; having done this 
 sufficiently, immerse the feather, or the bird-skin, in 
 clear cold water till it is cleansed, then roll it in a 
 dry cloth, which, when duly pressed, will absorb the 
 water. Having done this, hold the specimen within 
 the heat of a fire, all the while beating it briskly and 
 lightly with the folded end of a clean towel. In the 
 case of detached feathers, they can be waved rapidly, 
 -or swung round at the end of a string, before the fire. 
 Under this process plumage will resume its perfect 
 order. This is by far the most effective as well as 
 simplest operation of the kind, surpassing the employ- 
 ment of spirit and plaster of Paris, salts of sorrel, blue 
 water, etc. 
 
 A method of treating fish trophies must be men- 
 tioned here as being frequently more convenient, in 
 certain circumstances, than the skinning of them, and 
 at the same time sufficiently efficacious for the purpose. 
 This is to cast the specimen in plaster of Paris ; and, 
 whether we care to complete the cast with imitative 
 colouring, or simply to preserve it in white, accuracy 
 of form is at least obtained. A mould must be made. 
 Most fish are more or less covered with a transparent 
 :slime, which, for purposes of casting, would obscure 
 the small indications of form, such as scales, etc. This 
 coating must be got away. To effect this, lightly 
 sponge the specimen with dilute vitriol, which will 
 
 p 2
 
 68 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 have the effect of changing the slime into an opaque 
 film, which can be removed almost like a skin. The 
 fish must then be carefully posed in position, on its 
 side, and all those portions underneath the specimen 
 where the plaster would penetrate should be filled in 
 with clay; this, indeed, should form a bed for the fish, 
 whose fins should be displayed on the surface by being 
 impressed into it by means of the thumb. The plaster 
 must be carefully prepared : put some water in a 
 vessel and lightly shake the plaster, with the fingers, 
 into it not pour the water on to the plaster. The 
 first batch should be very limpid, but little thicker 
 than milk; it thickens rapidly as it stands. Pour this 
 limpid plaster over the specimen skilfully, so that 
 each portion be well covered, and all the interstices 
 filled with a first film of white. Directly this is set, put 
 on a second coating of thicker plaster, and so on till 
 the mould is thick enough; shape it at last roughly 
 with the fingers. When dry, or rather quite hard, 
 turn the mould over, pick out the clay, take out 
 the fish, and the mould will be fit for use. This 
 is what is called a " waste" mould, and the reason 
 will be readily seen. The cast is produced by sub- 
 stituting plaster in place of the fish, thus : First 
 dip the mould, if space admit of it, into clear cold 
 water, so that the inner surface become thoroughly 
 saturated ; or, if the mould be too large to immerse it, 
 wash the inside lightly over with sufficient clay-water, 
 that is, water coloured with modelling clay ; the object 
 being by saturation to prevent all absorption on the 
 inner surfaces. If the mould have been preserved till 
 it is dry, an application of boiled oil will have the same 
 effect. The plaster to be inserted must be skilfully 
 mixed, at first quite limpid, and this must be washed
 
 SKIN DRESSING. 69 
 
 into the mould so as to fill all interstices, without any 
 bladders or bubbles appearing as this first coating sets. 
 A second coating strengthens the first, and so on; 
 but there is no occasion to make the object solid, 
 although the walls of the cast must be in all places of 
 sufficient thickness. When the plaster is well set hard, 
 the next process is to chip away the mould from the 
 cast, and the mould is therefore called " waste." This 
 requires skill in the application of sufficient, but not 
 too much strength. It is a convenient resource to 
 put a little tint into the plaster of the mould so that 
 it may be clearly distinguishable from the cast when 
 we come to chip it away. The cast when cleared should 
 present all details of the specimen perfectly. When 
 a number of copies of the cast is required it is neces- 
 sary to make a " piece-mould " a much more complex 
 operation. It is a mould that is made on the object, 
 in pieces that fit perfectly together and can be re- 
 moved one by one from the cast, and replaced in posi- 
 tion for each cast. It is necessary to make such a 
 mould on a cast, because the yielding nature of the 
 fish would bring about a distortion of parts in a piece- 
 mould; therefore a waste-mould must be employed in 
 the first operation. The piece-mould exercises the 
 skill of the operator and his judgment. No explanation 
 of the process could teach it so readily as the examina- 
 tion of the thing itself, and an old piece-mould can 
 easily be obtained in London, or similar cities, and this 
 resource of casting is not likely to be employed where 
 such a thing is not obtainable. 
 
 SKIN DRESSING. It is a standing difficulty with 
 many sportsmen how best to prepare the skins of 
 animals, so as to make of them the supple and beauti- 
 ful leather that leaves the hands of the professional
 
 70 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 farrier; and thus to make the skins available for wearing- 
 apparel, rngs, etc., worked according to taste. The 
 right way to proceed is the following : Let us suppose 
 the subject to be the dried skin of an Indian Leopard. 
 The skin must first be sponged on the flesh side with 
 "liquor" till it is softened, and then it must bo 
 properly " shaved." It must then be partially dried. 
 When in this condition the skin should be folded with 
 the hair inwards, and the edges should be fastened 
 together with stitches at intervals of about 12 inches. 
 The object of this is, that the operator may subject 
 the flesh side to the action of grease. For a Leopard, 
 about 3 Ibs. of lard will be required ; this is the proper 
 grease : butter turns rancid in the skin, and therefore 
 must not be used. The usual mode is to put the skin 
 into a clean tub with the grease, and to tread or knead 
 it with the naked feet, till the action and the natural 
 heat have caused the fat sufficiently and equally to 
 penetrate the fibre of the pelt. The skin may then 
 be laid open and "shaved" a little thinner on the 
 flesh side. The next operation is to clean the fur. 
 To do this, place the skin on a bench with the hair 
 uppermost, and cover it well with fine mahogany dust 
 procured from a veneer mill. Rub this powder with 
 the hand well into the fur, so that it absorb all the 
 grease, and at the same time it will cleanse the coat ; 
 and after the skin has been sharply beaten with light 
 canes until the dust has all been removed, the natural 
 brilliancy of the specimen will be restored. A process 
 perhaps more convenient to many persons, but not so. 
 effectual, is to rub the grease in with the hand.
 
 HUNTING FIELDS OF THE WORLD. 
 
 FOLLOWING are memoranda concerning some of the 
 principal regions of the world which can be resorted 
 to for big game, and where natural historical trophies 
 of interest and value may be collected with advantage, 
 while noble sport is pursued. It must, however, be 
 borne in mind, that in almost every sparsely peopled 
 country, and in many untrodden districts and islands 
 not alluded to here, the study of natural history can 
 be followed by collecting examples, or even specimens 
 of new species and varieties, with absorbing interest 
 and to the aggrandisement of science. The range of 
 such fields is almost inexhaustible : and it includes 
 countries, the fauna and other natural productions of 
 which are imperfectly known to European naturalists, 
 because (as may be said of the Chinese empire), they 
 have been hitherto almost unvisited by them in a 
 scientific sense. No attempt is made to give anything 
 like a complete list of the animals to be found in any 
 particular resort, but simply to supply some informa- 
 tion of those most likely to be encountered, which may 
 serve as an indication to the enterprising hunter. 
 
 SCANDINAVIA AND THE NORTH. The accessibility of 
 these grounds from England, the general healthiness
 
 72 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 of the climate, and certain conveniences of transit, 
 etc., which can be commanded, recommend them. In 
 Denmark Proper there are none of the larger or 
 important carnivora. Sweden and Norway, however, 
 which occupy the peninsula, in their great mountains 
 and forests afford retreat for several animals of in- 
 terest, as well as for numberless game and raptorial 
 birds. There are many water-fowl. In fact, this is a 
 breeding ground for hosts of the European birds, who 
 migrate thence, and are familiar elsewhere at certain 
 seasons. The fishing, both freshwater and marine, is 
 very good, especially for salmon. Many of the best 
 salmon rivers in Norway are now leased to English 
 sportsmen. Snow covers the ground during seven 
 months of the year, and this gives a peculiar character 
 to much of the sport. Formerly the predatory animals 
 were very numerous and destructive; they are plentiful 
 still, but are now confined principally to the northern 
 forests and the mountains.* The inhabitants of in- 
 fested districts protect their cattle by general hunts 
 or battues, and by many ingenious systems of snaring. 
 The Brown Bear (Ursus Arctos), the largest and most 
 formidable of the Scandinavian carnivora, is seldom 
 encountered save in Dalecarlia and the northern parts 
 of the peninsula. This animal grows till he is twenty 
 years old, and is sometimes found of great size and 
 strength, weighing four or five hundredweight. 
 Wolves are to be found in plenty; the Glutton, or 
 Wolverine (Ursus gulo, Linn.), can be got in the forests 
 
 * A Swedish Government return shows that in 1827, throughout 
 thirty-four provinces, there were killed by beasts of prey, 35,548 
 head of horses, horned cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, etc., belonging to 
 farmers ; and the estimated loss from this cause was in that year 
 15,000.
 
 HUNTING FIELDS. 73 
 
 of Dalecarlia, and more plentifully among the Lapland 
 Alps farther north. Badgers. Foxes can be met with 
 all over Scandinavia the red, the black occasionally, 
 and the Arctic white, mostly in the extreme north. 
 There are, besides, Lynx, Marten, Weasel, Polecat, 
 Ermine, Otter, etc. The noblest of the animals is 
 probably the Elk, the largest of the Cervidce ; but, 
 although protected, they are getting rare. In the 
 province of Scania they were once numerous, but have 
 now quite disappeared from there. The Reindeer is 
 in like manner becoming scarcer, save in a domesti- 
 cated condition ; but these noble creatures may be 
 still found wild in the Dalecarlian and Koelen 
 mountains. There are also Red Deer and Roebuck. 
 Of raptorial birds, the Golden Eagle will be found; and 
 in Sweden only (and even there it has become scarce), 
 the Great Bustard (Otis tarda, Linn.), the largest of 
 European Aves. It used at one time to be common in 
 Scania. It is sometimes, however, seen in Denmark. 
 The Great Horned Owl (Strix bubo), and at the extreme 
 north, in Lapland, the large Owl (Strix Lapponica), 
 are to be found, as well as the Snowy Owl (Strix 
 nyclea). The game birds are fine and plentiful. This 
 is the head-quarters of the grouse genus. First 
 among these is the Capercali, or Capercailzie (Tetrao 
 Urogallus), the largest of the European Gallince. He 
 is to be found in all the woods; in fact, wherever 
 the pine tree flourishes, but best in the hilly dis- 
 tricts. Those of the south weigh sometimes 16 Ibs. 
 or more; those captured in the north not so much. 
 Blackcock (Tetrao perdrix, Linn.) are more numerous 
 than the Capercali. Hazel-grouse (Tetrao Bonasia, 
 Linn.) are abundant in the woods and on the hills of 
 the northern parts. Ripas, both of the valley and
 
 74 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 mountain species; the Dal Ripa (Tetrao lagopus, Linn.) r 
 mostly in the northern wooded districts and on the 
 islands; and the Alpine Ripa (Lagopus Alpina) by 
 some considered identical with the Scottish Ptarmigan 
 which is mostly found on the Alpine ranges and on 
 the Norwegian islands ; it haunts stone and shingle. 
 The common Partridge (Perdix cincra) is not very 
 plentiful. The Quail (Perdix coturnix) is to be met 
 with, but not numerously ; it is migratory and rare, 
 especially in Sweden ; there are a few in Norway. 
 The Woodcock (Scolopax, rusticula, Linn.) is scarce, 
 and getting scarcer ; these birds, however, are to be 
 met in considerable numbers, sometimes on the 
 western coasts at spring and fall ; there are also- 
 Snipe, etc. Aquatic birds are wondrously plentiful on 
 all the lakes and rivers. Fine shooting of this descrip- 
 tion is to be had in almost any part of Sweden or 
 Norway ; but the best is probably at Nordholm. 
 Sport is good, too, on the Skargard, or belt of islands. 
 Of the swimmers, the principal are Swan, Goose, 
 Goosander, Merganser, Mallard, Teal, Golden Eye, 
 Tufted Duck, Widgeon, Long-tailed Hareld (Harelda 
 glacialis), Black-throated Diver, Red-throated Diver, 
 Great Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Black Tern,, 
 and Caspian Tern, etc. The scarce Steller's Western 
 Duck (Anas dispar) may be encountered, and should 
 be carefully looked for as a prize. Eider Duck is 
 found on the western coasts. 
 
 IN THE ARCTIC SEA. Proceeding farther north, 
 remarkable sport is to be obtained amid the ice of the 
 Arctic Sea, by Spitzbergen, near Deeva Bay and 
 among the Thousand Islands, commencing in July. 
 Walrus or Sea Horse, and several species of the 
 valuable fur-bearing as well as common hair seals will
 
 HUNTING FIELDS. 75- 
 
 be met with. They must be harpooned as well as 
 shot ; they are seldom killed by the gun unless they 
 are hit in the brain, which is at the back of what 
 appears as their head. Polar Bears (Thalarctos mari- 
 timus) may be encountered here. Polar Foxes and 
 Reindeer can be collected on shore. The Bears are 
 often of prodigious size and strength, sometimes, say, 
 8 ft. in length, 4 ft. 6 in. high at shoulder, and 
 weighing 1200 Ibs. or more. Many large cetaceans are 
 in the sea ; and sea-fowl are numerous. 
 
 RUSSIA. Most of the species of animals and birds 
 inhabiting Sweden and Norway will be found in 
 northern Russia and Siberia; indeed, it may be said 
 that in some part or other of this vast empire all, or 
 nearly all the wild creatures native to Europe may be 
 found. Besides the great Brown Bear (Ursus Arctos)? 
 another, the Siberian Bear (Ursus collaris), is to be 
 met with ; the Musk Ox (Ovibos Moschatus) in the 
 high latitudes ; and in the forest of Bialowicza, in 
 Lithuania, to the eastward of the Baltic, the mighty 
 Aurochs (Bison pn'scu.s), the ancient European Bison 
 of the Pliocene period. This last named wild bull, 
 one of the noblest of animals, more than 6 ft. high 
 at the shoulders, is very rarely to be got at, and is 
 rapidly becoming extinct. It is closely protected and 
 preserved for the private sport of the Czar and the 
 Imperial family. It exists also in certain districts of 
 Moldavia and Wallachia, and is found sparsely in some 
 parts of the Caucasus. There are plenty of Wolf,. 
 Fox, Lynx, Otter, Sable, and other fur-beai'ing animals. 
 Of birds, there are several species of Eagles and other 
 Haptores not met with in Sweden and Norway. 
 
 THE MEDITERRANEAN AND ADRIATIC. Particularly 
 for those who possess yachting advantages, the Medi-
 
 76 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 terranean coasts and islands, as well as Dalmatia and 
 Albania on the Adriatic, offer pleasant opportunities 
 of sport, especially in regard to birds. Of mammals, 
 the most notable is the Moufflon Sheep (Ovis musimon) , 
 to be had in the islands of Corsica, Sardinia, and (not 
 so numerously) in Cyprus. The species in Sardinia 
 is most esteemed by some hunters, as the ewes there 
 are generally horned. In Corsica are plenty of wild 
 Hogs, Stags, etc. ; but in Greece and Turkey, as well 
 as on the islands, there are many other mammalia of 
 ordinary species. On the African coast, the Bush 
 Goat or Barbary Deer (Cervus Barbarus) can be 
 collected. Albania is a principal resort. The birds, 
 especially waders and swimmers, are plentiful there 
 and in many other parts. Some of the most noticeable 
 are the following : The Balearic Crane (Balearica 
 pavonina), getting scarce ; Rosy Flamingo (Phoeni- 
 copterus ruber, Linn.); Purple Waterhen; plenty of 
 Snipe, Heron, Bittern, and other waders ; Audouin's 
 G-ull, mostly about Corsica and Sicily ; White-eyed 
 Gull, among the Grecian Islands ; Slender-billed Gull 
 (Larus tenuirostris) , especially on the African coasts; 
 the Black-headed Gull is to be found in these seas, 
 and especially in the marshes of Albania and Dalmatia, 
 where it breeds. The Great Black-headed Gull, from 
 the Caspian and Red Seas, is seen occasionally about 
 the Ionian Islands ; the Algerian Cinereous Shear- 
 water (Puffinus cincreus, Cuv.). Sometimes, but rarely, 
 and in hard weather, the Snow Goose comes from 
 Northern Asia and America; and the Blue-winged 
 Goose and the Little White-fronted Goose are found 
 in Greece. The rare Marbled Duck can be got in 
 Sardinia, and near Tunis in January and February; 
 and it has been seen in the Ionian Islands. There
 
 HUNTING FIELDS. 77 
 
 are plenty of Cormorants. The White and the 
 Dalmatian Pelicans can be found all about Greece 
 and the Ionian Islands, on the borders of lakes 
 and rivers and in the swampy parts. There are 
 many fine species of the Falconidce to be collected. 
 Francolin Partridge (Tetrao francolinus, Linn.) are to 
 be had in the Grecian Archipelago, Turkey, Sicily, 
 Malta, etc. ; and the Perdix rufa. The Greek Partridge 
 is getting scarce. The perching-birds are not greatly 
 dissimilar to the other European species ; but among 
 them may be pointed out the Hoopoe, the Boiler, the 
 Golden Oriole, and the Bee-eater. 
 
 ASIA. The continent of Asia, of all divisions of 
 the globe, produces the most highly-developed forms 
 of the mammalia : nearly all of the higher animals are 
 to be met with there ; some are exclusively to be 
 found there. In the southern countries especially, 
 and in the islands of the Great Archipelago, toward 
 Australia, are some of the most remarkable hunting 
 grounds in the world. 
 
 INDIA. This is perhaps the best field ; and, because 
 of the conditions of the British occupation, grand sport 
 can be had with seasonable convenience. Hunting is 
 an acknowledged resource, and means are attainable 
 in most places for pursuing it with success. In 
 Northern India the Himalayas divide Tibet from the 
 great plain of the Ganges. This range, because of 
 its very extent and the vastness of its features, is still 
 imperfectly explored. By reason of its position and 
 the great altitude of its mountains, it presents different 
 conditions of climate, with vegetation and fauna varying 
 in the most interesting ratio. Indeed, a double fauna 
 may be traced in these regions, namely, that which is 
 common to certain divisions of the mountains, and to
 
 78 THE BPORTSMAN'B HANDBOOK 
 
 Tibet and Northern Asia ; and that which is common 
 to these hills, and the hilly regions of Assam and 
 Burmah, which are to the south of the eastern extremity 
 of this chain. Thus the variety of the game is most 
 remarkable, and each climatic zone has its characteristic 
 creatures. The mountains generally, and those districts 
 of the Gangetic Plains contiguous, furnish a grand 
 series of fine birds, and almost all the other animals 
 most prized by the sportsman in India, or perhaps in 
 the world. In the extreme north-west (Cashmere) 
 can be collected the Gigantic Sheep (Ovis Ammon), the 
 Burrell (Ovis Nahura), the Oorial (Ovis cydoceros), 
 the Ovis Vignei, the Ibex (Capra Silirica), Markhor 
 (C. megaceros), four varieties, Tibetan Antelope (Kemas 
 Hodgsonii), Indian Antelope (A. Bezoartica), and some 
 of smaller species. Of Cervidce, the grand Burra- 
 sing (Cervus Cashmiriensis) or Cashmere Stag, a very 
 fine species, frequenting the Saul Forests. The great 
 Shou Stag, a species larger than the Burra-sing, and 
 approaching the Wapiti in stature and magnificence of 
 antlers, is a fine trophy that will well repay the hunter. 
 But few specimens of this stag have as yet reached 
 England. The little Musk Deer (Mosckus moschiferus), 
 etc. The Yak (Bos grunniens) may be got here, and 
 also at the other extremity of the chain in Bhootan. 
 Kyang, Wolf, Wild Dog, Lynx, Snow Bear, and Snow 
 Leopard are found here. At the foot of the hills, and 
 generally skirting the plain of the Ganges at this ex- 
 tremity, is a belt of swampy and densely-wooded 
 country in some places only three, in others fifty miles 
 wide, called the Terai, or marsh. This abounds with 
 numberless animals. Kumaon, the wonderful hill 
 district on the western edge of Nepaul, is nearly all 
 forest and Terai. Tigers are very numerous, Leopards,
 
 HUNTING FIELDS. 79 
 
 many Bears, Spotted Deer (Axis Maculata], etc. Wild 
 Elephants are plentiful, especially in the rainy season, 
 and near where the land is cultivated. The Nepaulese 
 dominion, which lies along the Himalaya range, has 
 the Terai between it and the plains of Oude and 
 Behar. Almost parallel to this belt, but a few miles 
 further over the frontier, runs the great forest of 
 Nepaul. It is generally only about ten miles wide. 
 Therein are to be found plenty of Elephant, Rhinoceros 
 (R. Indicus), and Tiger. Thar (Capricornis Bubalina), 
 is a native of Nepaul, and is especially plentiful in the 
 eastern regions of that territory ; and only in the cold 
 upper regions the Goral (Nemorhedus Goral) should be 
 collected. The Terai, throughout its whole extent, is 
 the ground for numberless Elephant, Rhinoceros, Tiger, 
 Leopard, Panther, Cheetah or Hunting Leopard (Felis 
 jubata), Bear, Lynx, Hyaena, Sambur (Rusa Aristotelis), 
 Barasingha (Rucervus Duvaucellii), Muntjak (C. vagi- 
 nalis), Four-horned Deer, Spotted Hog Deer (Axis 
 maculata), etc. The Himalayas furnish the most 
 superb examples of the Pheasant group, among which 
 is the grandest of all, the Monal or Impeyana ; a 
 splendid bird of this species, the Lophophorus L'huysi, 
 should be looked for on the northern slopes ; the 
 Horned, the Cheer, the Snow, Kaleege, Cocklass, etc. 
 Of other Gallince, there are many species of Partridges, 
 the Black Partridge, Chickor, etc., and Pea Fowl, as 
 well as an immense succession of perching-birds. 
 Among the Pavonince, or Pea Fowl, the Polyplectron, 
 often called the Argus Pheasant, which is peculiar to 
 Indo-Chinese countries and Malayana, may be found 
 here. But the true Argus (Argus giganteus) is to be 
 got only in the Malay Archipelago. Of Raptores, the 
 Golden Eagle (A. cliryscetos), though rare in India, can
 
 80 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 be collected on the Himalayas ; and the A. imperialis 
 is also found. The great Condor, often measures more 
 than 13 feet from tip to tip of wings. The Houbara, 
 Bustard (Otis hubara), the great Brown Vulture (F. 
 Nonachus), the Tawny Vulture (Gyps fulvus}, the 
 Bearded Vulture (G. barbatus), and others, as well as 
 many Falconidce. At the north-eastern extremity of 
 India, in Assam, the country is mountainous, but 
 watered by the Brahmapootra and numberless tributary 
 streams. The forests are among the best grounds for 
 Elephant, and large herds are to be encountered there, 
 affording grand hunting. Not only in the forests, but 
 in the gigantic grass jungle which is peculiar to 
 Eastern Bengal, and extends to Assam, Tiger, Bear, 
 Buffalo, Hogs, Fox, and Jackal, are to be had in 
 plenty. Among the fine Phasianidce to be got in 
 Assam, are the Lophophorus Sclateri, which has been 
 found on the Khasya hills, and the Ceriornis Blythii> 
 both rare. In Burmah are many tracts still absolutely 
 wild, almost untouched by man, and therein roam 
 Elephant, Tiger, Rhinoceros, Leopard, and other, 
 mostly smaller, carnivora : but no canine animals 
 Jackals, Hygenas, Wolves, Foxes, etc., which are 
 curiously absent from this and the countries of tropical 
 Asia lying east of Bengal. The Long-Billed Brown 
 Vulture (Gyps Indicus) is very plentiful in Burmah ;. 
 but the Peacock (Pavo cristatus], so common through- 
 out all India, is not found either in Burmah or Assam. 
 The Sunderbunds, or marshy deltas of the Ganges 
 below Calcutta, are a number of low islands covered 
 by a rank growth of wood and apparently irredeemable 
 jungle. The cover is full of great game, Tiger, many 
 Buffalo (Bos Arnee), bearing the greatest horns of the 
 Bos genus, Ehinoceros, Deer, Hogs, etc. Alligators-
 
 HUNTING FIELDS. 81 
 
 are numerous. Throughout Bengal most of the 
 animals that abound in the Terai are to be collected, 
 and the favourite grounds are to be easily found. The 
 Gervidce are plentiful, and of large size. In the 
 Sunderbunds the Barasingha (RttcervusDuvaucellii) and 
 Hog Deer (Axis maculata) are very numerous, and 
 along the whole course of the Ganges ; a great variety 
 of animals can be got on the banks of this wonderful 
 stream. In the west of India, to the north and east 
 of the Gulf of Cutch, is the Runn of Cutch, alternately 
 a sandy saline desert, with numerous shallow lakes, or 
 a vast lake-like marsh. Upon the banks, and in the 
 small islands of the Runn, the Onager, or Wild Ass, 
 exists in great numbers ; there are many Apes, Porcu- 
 pines, and birds in vast flocks. The Lion is now 
 almost confined to the extreme north-western districts. 
 The Peninsula of Guzerat is the most notable ground ; 
 but isolated specimens have, even in late years, been 
 collected where once the noble game was plentiful, 
 farther to the east in the Central Indian districts. In the 
 wastes and jungles of Hurreeanah, and on the wooded 
 plains along the Bhardar and Sombermuttee rivers, to 
 the borders of Cutch, Lion may be found. They were 
 undoubtedly very numerous there sixty or seventy years 
 ago. The Peninsula of Guzerat, or Kattywar, as the 
 whole province is named, is covered with undulations 
 of no great height, but of wonderful ruggedness, and 
 made almost inaccessible by forest and jungle. In 
 the ravines and caverns of these tracts great game is 
 harboured, Lion, Tiger, Leopard, Cheetah, Wolf, 
 Hysena, Deer, Antelope, Hogs, etc. Nylgai (Portax 
 Tragocamelus) roam in large herds over the northern 
 parts. But the climate in these districts is often 
 deadly to strangers, particularly after the autumnal
 
 82 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 monsoon. The Flamingo, Argala, or Adjutant Bird, 
 Sarus, or Gigantic Crane, and many aquatic birds can 
 be collected. 
 
 Central India is a fine ground. The hilly country, 
 or Satpura Highlands, may be said to range across tho 
 Peninsula from near Calcutta to Bombay, lying between 
 those provinces designated as Northern India, and 
 those of the Deccan or Southern country. This truly 
 central position is, as it were, a border land between 
 Northern and Southern India. At one period the 
 Lion, as well as the Elephant, was common in these 
 districts ; but now the first-named may, for all hunting 
 purposes, be pronounced extinct there, although an 
 isolated example was met in the Sagar district not 
 many years ago. The Elephant is now found only in 
 the extreme eastern part of this region. Buffalo (Bos 
 Arnee), which once was plentiful, has retreated from all 
 save the eastern parts. They are found in the Mandla 
 highlands during the rains, but they retire thence 
 to the jungles south and west when the tame cattle 
 are brought up to graze. They roam, however, in tb.e 
 great Saul forests that clothe the vast plains lying 
 below Amarkantak to the north and east. They are 
 not found west of Jubbelpoor and Nagpoor in these 
 districts. In these eastern forests wild Elephants 
 may be encountered, and this is the westernmost range 
 here of this mighty creature. The number of them 
 has, however, greatly decreased since the Government 
 drove these forests systematically in 1865-67. Ta 
 the north and east of Laafargarh extends the Elephant 
 country, where also may be found Tiger, Panther, 
 Sambur, Black Bear, and Red Lynx (F. caraval), 
 Spotted Deer, Red Deer, etc. Generally in the more 
 westerly parts of the district are to be found Tiger
 
 HUNTING FIELDS. 83 
 
 more numerous at Doni and Betul than in Mandla 
 Cheetah or Hunting Leopard (F.jubata), Panther, Bear 
 (Ursus labiatus), Wolf, Jackal, Boars on the plains. 
 Barasingha (Rucervus Duvaucellii) may be met with in 
 the patches of Saul forest, but it is not very plentiful 
 there. Spotted Deer (Axis maculata) along the wooded 
 banks of streams, Barking Deer, Sasin, sometimes called 
 "Black Buck" (Antilope Bezoartica), but they have not 
 so fine antlers as those in North-Western India ; Indian 
 Gazelle (G. Bennettii], Nylgai, Four-horned Antelope 
 (Tetracerus quadricornis) , commonly called "jungle 
 sheep." Sambur is sure to be found in those localities 
 where the Gaur is to be encountered. This last-named 
 fine animal is one of the most characteristic and im- 
 portant, in a sporting sense, of Central India. He is 
 called by sportsmen the " Indian Bison/' and he frequents 
 the hills, as the Buffalo loves the plains and swamps. 
 Gaur is numerous on the Mahadeo Hills, but he retires 
 before the advance of men and tame cattle civilisa- 
 tion, in fact. Crocodiles (Crocodilus biporcatus), the 
 Magar of Upper India, can be shot in the Nerbudda 
 river. Tiger shooting proper commences in April, 
 but March is good. Daring October and November, 
 migratory wild fowl arrive and swarm on the rivers, 
 pools, and tanks. Several sorts of Teal, including 
 the Blue-winged Teal (Querquedula crecca), Duck, 
 Widgeon, etc., and Geese. Many Waders, including 
 the Coolen or Demoiselle Crane (Anthropoides virgo], 
 and the Sarus Crane (Grus Antigone). Gray Quail, 
 Painted Partridge, Jungle Cock, and Pea Fowl, afford 
 good sport of its kind. The grand Imperial Eagle 
 (rare in the South), the Florican Bustard, several 
 species of Vulture, Hawk, and Owl. Blue Jay, Red 
 Flycatcher, Mango Bird, Snake Bird, etc. 
 
 o 2
 
 84 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 Southern India, viz., all that portion of the great 
 peninsula below the 20th parallel, contains some of the 
 finest grounds for big game, and, at the same time, 
 some of the most convenient and healthy stations 
 which the sportsman can make his head- quarters. On 
 the eastern side, in the jungle on the deltas of 
 the Mahanuddy, are many Tiger, Leopard, Buffalo, 
 Crocodile, etc. Leopard is particularly plentiful in the 
 forests of Cuttack, in Orissa. On the Deccan grounds, 
 Tiger, Sloth-Bear (Ursus labiatus), Cheetah, Sarnbur, 
 Nylgai, Spotted Deer, etc., and Hogs are numerous. 
 Near the table-land of Mysore, on the wooded slopes 
 of the valley through which the Moyar river runs, 
 Elephant may be found, Tiger, Leopard, etc. On the 
 Sheveroy Hills, in the Carnatic, Gaur may be got, as 
 well as Tiger, Panther, Bear, Hyaena, Sambur, Spotted 
 Deer ( Axis maculata), Nylgai, and other Antelope. The 
 Neilgherries, or Blue Mountains, furnish some of the most 
 delightful stations in the world, and from. Coimbatore, 
 or Ootacamund (which last is the principal), some of 
 the best hunting may be easily reached. The Wynaad 
 jungle is a fine field. Therein may be met Elephant, 
 Gaur, Tiger, Leopard, Cheetah, Panther, Hyaena, Wolf, 
 Sambur, Spotted Deer (Axis maculata), Muntjak, and 
 other Gervidce ; Neilgherry Ibex, a distinct species on 
 the hills, afford fine sport ; and the sportsman can get 
 Partridge, Quail, Snipe, Woodcock, and Spur fowl in 
 plenty. On the Annamullay Hills, and among the 
 ravines at their base, great game is to be met, 
 especially in the forest and jungle there, where 
 Elephant can be had. All the immense forest south 
 of the Neilgherries, extending over the Annamullay 
 range along the Western Ghauts, is a very fine ground 
 of glorious extent, and not yet over-hunted; therein
 
 HUNTING FIELDS. 85 
 
 are many Elephant, many Gaur, Tiger, and Panther ; 
 Bears are most numerous. All these southern regions 
 are indeed rich in ferae, naturce. Of Aves, the Spotted 
 Eagle (Aquila ncevia) should be collected, and the 
 Tawny Eagle (A. fulvescens), especially in the Deccan. 
 Malabar and the Neilgherries have several species of 
 birds unknown in other parts of India, and the same, 
 although in a much less degree, may be said of the 
 Carnatic and Central Provinces. 
 
 CEYLON. Elephant (ElepTias Sumatranus) is the 
 most important of the indigenous fauna, and exists in 
 considerable numbers all over the island, excepting 
 the populous parts. His favourite resort is the 
 mountain tops ; there are, however, not so many now 
 as formerly. The species is almost always compara- 
 tively tuskless. Buffalo abound in all parts of the 
 island, but most in the solitudes of the Northern and 
 Eastern provinces. Gaur is said still to exist in some 
 districts, but if so it is very rare. Sambur, often 
 called Ceylon Elk (RusaAristoteUs),on the mountains ; 
 Spotted Deer (Axis maculata) and Muntjak (C. 
 vaginalis), in the forests of the interior, are the 
 principal Gervidce. Of Carnivora, Bear (Ursus labiatus) 
 are in the thick woods of the low, dry district on the 
 northern and south-eastern coast ; Leopard (not 
 Cheetah, as they are sometimes erroneously called), 
 and a rare variety, quite black (Felis melas), can be 
 got; Mongoos (Hephestes vitticollis) is comparatively 
 common; Palm Cat (Paradoxus typus), Genette 
 (Viverra Indica). Only one example of Edentata, 
 the Pengolin (Manis pentadactyld) , or Scaly Ant- 
 eater, is found. There are four species of Wanderoo 
 Monkeys : some which inhabit the lowland woods ; 
 and others, the largest of which is the Presbytes
 
 86 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 Ursinus, are met only on the mountain zone. The 
 rare Presbytes Thersitcs may be sought for, and a 
 white variety may sometimes be captured. Cheiroptera 
 are very numerous; the most curious of them is the 
 Rousette (Pteropus Edwardsii), commonly called the 
 Flying Fox. The birds are numerous and interesting. 
 There are remarkable Cetaceans in the sea, among 
 which is the Dugong (Halicore dugong). 
 
 INDIAN OR MALAY ARCHIPELAGO. This is a wondrous 
 region, full of natural historical wealth, and probably, 
 in many respects, less known to science than any 
 other part of the world. The islands are of vast 
 importance. Borneo is more than twice as large as all 
 Great Britain. New Guinea is larger than Borneo. 
 Sumatra is as large as our whole home empire; and 
 there are numbers of other islands, like Java, as 
 extensive as Ireland or Jamaica. The great islands, 
 Sumatra, Borneo, and Java were probably at one 
 period part of the Asiatic Continent, and in them the 
 animals and other natural productions are, many of 
 them, of the Asiatic forms some of identical species. 
 In like manner New Guinea was, doubtless, connected 
 with Australia, and we find there the Australian forms, 
 both of animal and vegetable. On the Malayan 
 peninsula Elephant, Rhinoceros, and Tiger may be 
 got, and a few of the last-named game on the island 
 of Singapore. On the mainland some of the birds are 
 of great beauty. The true Argus Pheasant (Argus 
 giganteus) is in the thickest forests : it is very shy and 
 wary, and runs among the trees so swiftly and quietly 
 that it is very difficult to collect. It is generally 
 snared. The beautiful Eastern Trogons may be 
 obtained here, and should be looked for in the 
 deepest woods ; the Blue-Billed Gaper (Cymlirhyncus
 
 HUNTING FIELDS. 87 
 
 macrorliyncus), the Green Gaper, Green Barbets 
 (Megalcema versicolor), and other rich birds should be 
 carefully preserved when captured. In the three 
 great islands already named, Sumatra, Borneo, and 
 Java, although the Asiatic forms prevail, there are 
 several distinctive races. The Mias,* or Orang-utan 
 (Simia Satyrus), is found only in Sumatra and Borneo. 
 Another species (Simia Morio), a little smaller, is only 
 found in the same islands; the large Siamang only 
 in Sumatra and Malacca. These great Simiadce are 
 peculiar to these regions. 
 
 SUMATRA. The Mias, or Orang-utan, the Siamang, 
 and Simia Moria, mostly in the low swampy forests. 
 Elephant (getting scarce), Rhinoceros (R. Sumatrensis, 
 two-horned) ; R. Javanus (one-horned) is said also 
 to be in the woods; Tapir (T. Malay anus) ; Tiger; 
 the Black variety of Leopard (F. melas) ; Balu Leopard 
 (L. Sumatrensis} ; the rare Leopard (F. macrocelis}, 
 sometimes called the Clouded Tiger, having markings 
 which partake of both characters ; the Flat-headed 
 Lynx (F. Planiceps) and Golden Tiger Cat (F. aurata) 
 are among the principal Carnivora ; the Black Ox of 
 Sumatra (Bos Banting], somewhat resembling the 
 Gaur. Of Cervidce, the Banjoe, or Black Stag (Cervus 
 Hippelaphus] , Samboe (Rusa equinus), and Spotted 
 Deer (Axis maculata} will be found; and Antelope 
 (Capricornis Sumatrensis} in the hill forests. Sun- 
 Bear (U. Malay anus} ; Squirrels are very abundant 
 and curious; Argus, and some Ocellated Pheasants; 
 Fire-backed Pheasants (Euphocamus ignitus} ; Bronze 
 Cock (Gallus ceneus}, and Gallus giganteus. There are 
 
 * Mr. Wallace records the following dimensions of a large old 
 Mias killed by him : height, 4 ft. 2 in. ; arms, from tip to tip of 
 .fingers, 7 ft. 9in. ; face, 13 in. wide ; girth of body, 3 ft. 7i in.
 
 88 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 no Pea Fowl on this island, although it is nearest to 
 the mainland. There are numerous smaller birds of 
 great beauty and value. 
 
 BORNEO. Mias and Simla Morio and the Long- 
 nosed Monkey (8. nasalis), which last is found only on 
 this island ; Elephant, Rhinoceros. Black Leopards 
 can be often met with. Golden Tiger Cat, Flat-headed 
 Lynx, Sun-Bear (U. Malay anus), and a second species 
 (II. Euryspilus) ; the Sumatran Ox (Bos Banting) ; 
 Samboe Deer (Rusa equinus), Spotted Deer (Axis 
 maculata). Great Argus, and several pheasants. 
 
 JAVA. Rhinoceros (R. Javanus), a distinct species. 
 Tiger, Leopard (L. Javanensis), the Black variety (F. 
 melas), and Bear (U. Malay anus), are the most im- 
 portant Garnivora. Banjoe, or Black Stag (G. Hippe- 
 laphus), Spotted Deer (Axis maculata), Muntjak (G. 
 vaginalis), Wild Bull (Bos Banting). The birds and 
 insects of Java are especially beautiful and various. 
 The Peacock, not found in Sumatra or Borneo, re- 
 appears in Java; the species is distinct from the 
 Indian. The Horn-bill (Buceros lunatus) ; Gallus 
 giganteus ; Jungle Cock (G. BanJciva) in plenty ; the 
 rare Green Jungle Fowl (G. furcatus). The Yellow and 
 Green Trogons (Harpactes Reinwardti) ; the superbly 
 splendid little Flycatcher (Pericrocotus miniatus) ; 
 Black and Crimson Oriole (Analcipus sanguinolentus) ; 
 all these last-named are rare, and are among the most 
 notable to be found only in this island, and probably 
 only in the western parts of it. The Great Crowned 
 Pigeon (Lophyrus coronatus) is easily to be met with 
 in this and other islands, but abundantly in New 
 Guinea ; so is the remarkable Geophilus Nicobaricus. 
 
 NEW GUINEA AND NEIGHBOURING ISLANDS. The 
 forms of both animal and vegetable life on the islands
 
 HUNTING FIELDS. 89 
 
 in this division of the Archipelago are mostly of 
 Australian character. But the principal glory of the 
 region in a zoological sense is the possession of a 
 purely distinctive race of Aves, the Birds of Paradise. 
 These are all of great value and transcendent beauty, 
 simply forming one of the most beautiful groups in 
 the world. For a long period all that was reported of 
 their habitat was very trifling, and intermixed with 
 mere fable : though much more is known now, our 
 information is comparatively scanty, and there is no 
 region of the globe so little understood, and yet 
 so calculated to well requite scientific exploration. 
 Mr. A. R. Wallace who, a few years since, visited the 
 islands for the purpose of investigating the Paradises, 
 has recorded the best and latest information concerning 
 their range and particular habitat, and the following 
 is quoted from his words ("Proc. Zool. Soc.," 1863, 
 p. 166): "The Aru islands contain Paradisea apoda 
 and P. regia ; and we have no positive knowledge of 
 P. apoda being found anywhere else; Mysol has P. 
 papuana, P. regia, and P. magnified ; Waigiou, P. rubra 
 only. Salwatty, though so close to New Guinea, has 
 no restricted Paradiscc, but possesses P. regia, P. mag- 
 nifica, Epimachus albus, and Sericulus aureus. The 
 island of Jobie, and the Mysory islands beyond it, 
 certainly contain true Paradisce, but what species 
 beyond P. papuana is unknown. The coast districts 
 of the northern part of New Guinea contain P. papuana 
 and P. regia pretty generally distributed, while P. mag- 
 nifica, P. alba, and Sericulus aureus are scarce and 
 local. Lastly, the central mountains of the northern 
 peninsula are alone inhabited by Lophorina superba, 
 Parotia sexsetacea, Astrapia nigra, Epimachus magnus, 
 and Craspedophora magnifica ; and here also probably
 
 90 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 exist the unique Diphyllodes Wilsoni and Paradigalla 
 caninculata." The birds frequent the deepest woods 
 and trackless wilds. The indescribably beautiful 
 Hoopoe, Promerops (Epimachus magnus), can be got 
 on the coasts of New Guinea, and should be carefully 
 collected and preserved. 
 
 AUSTRALIA. It is the head-quarters of the Mar- 
 supiata and of the Parrot tribe. The species of 
 Marsupiata are distributed in greatest numbers in 
 Western Australia and New South Wales; next in 
 South Australia and Van Diemen's Land. In North 
 Australia the species are neither so large nor so 
 numerous. The Great Kangaroo (Nacropus giganteus) 
 is to be got in each division but the north ; but another 
 species of nearly equal size (M. antilopinas) is to be 
 got there. The Great Eock Kangaroo, or Black 
 Wallaroo (M. robustus], is found on the mountain 
 ranges in the interior of New South Wales only. The 
 Red Buck (M. rufus), also of the largest size, is found 
 in many parts of the interior of Australia, but 
 particularly New South Wales, where also another 
 large species, the M. Parryi, abounds. Several species 
 of Opossum and other smaller creatures can be collected. 
 The very curious Duck-billed Platypus (Ornithorhyncus 
 paradoxus) and the Porcupine Ant Eater (Echidna 
 Hystrix] should be carefully preserved. The largest 
 of the Australian Carnivora is the Tasmanian Wolf, or 
 Zebra Opossum (Thylacinus cynocephalus] , found now 
 only in the highest mountainous parts of Van Diemen's 
 Land. Of Birds the largest is the Emu (Dromaius Nov. 
 HolL), mostly in the south. The Lyre Bird (Mcenura 
 superba) is found principally in the forests of the Blue 
 Mountains, but also on the other mountain ranges 
 generally of New South Wales. The curious Kivi-Kivi
 
 HUNTING FIELDS. 91 
 
 {Apteryx Australia) on all the islands of New Zealand, 
 but most at the southern end of the middle island. 
 An almost infinite variety of Parrots and Pigeons can 
 be collected, as well as many aquatic birds. The 
 Laughing Kingfisher (Dacelo giyantea), the Satin 
 Bower Bird (PtilonorJiyncus holosericeus) , should be 
 looked for, as also the Great Bustard (Otis Australis). 
 
 AFRICA. This vast continent is the habitat of 
 countless great quadrupeds, and altogether of a pro- 
 fusion of animal life that is perhaps unequalled on the 
 globe. Vast regions of it are still unexplored, and 
 there is ample verge for enterprise. The number of 
 mammals is most remarkable, and of those peculiar to 
 this continent the proportion is great. This is the 
 true home of the Lion. The large Pachyderms are 
 most numerous here ; and the great Antelope tribe has 
 its head-quarters in this division. Among the Quad- 
 rumana are the Gorilla and the Chimpanzee. In 
 alluding, for the sake of convenience, to Northern, 
 Southern, Eastern, or Western Africa, it should be 
 borne in mind that, comparatively speaking, the great 
 districts or natural divisions on the coasts are all that 
 can be referred to with certainty; beyond all these, in the 
 interior, lie fields for the hunter, where discovery of 
 great natural facts may be pursued, while extraordinary 
 sport is obtained. 
 
 In Southern Africa, and the countries contiguous 
 to and above Cape Colony to either coast, may be 
 found two varieties of Lion (F. Leo), one yellow and 
 another brown, this last the fiercest. They are never 
 met on the hills, but frequent the plains where there 
 is rank grass, or where low bushes grow near water, 
 and on the banks of rivers. Panther (F. Pardus), 
 Leopard (L. Serval), the Lynx (F. caracal), usually
 
 92 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 where Lions frequent, and the Booted Lynx (F. 
 caligata), Tiger Cat (F. Serval), Hyaenas, the Striped 
 (H. striata) (but his true habitat is Northern and 
 Central Africa) and Spotted (R. maculatd), and the 
 Brown (R. rwfa). Elephant (E. Africanus), having- 
 the finest tusks of any species. Rhinoceros, three 
 varieties may be encountered, mostly in the remoter 
 districts, viz., R. Africanus, two horns of unequal 
 length; R. Keitloa, two horns much longer and of 
 unequal length; R. Simus, one long and one short 
 horn. Hippopotamus, Buffalo (Bubalus Gaffer), Giraffe 
 (Oamelopardalis Giraffa), north of the Orange river; 
 Quagga (Asinus Quagga), and Peetsi Zebra , (A. 
 Burchellii), on the plains, especially north of the 
 Orange river; the true Zebra (A. Zebra), on the 
 mountains. Antelopes are most numerous. On 
 the plains : Hartebeest (A. Caama), commonest ; 
 Springbok (A. Euchore), in immense numbers ; Pallah 
 (JEpyceros melampus), Grysbok (Oalotragus melanotis), 
 Bleekbok (Scopophorus Ourebi), particularly in the 
 eastern parts; Gemsbok (Oryx Gazella), and the 
 remarkable White Oryx (0. Leucoryx), Blauwbok 
 (JEgoceros leucophceus) , and other maned variety of 
 this species, the A. barbata ; Waterbuck (Kobus- 
 ellipsiprymnus), 4 feet at shoulder; Steinbok (Calo- 
 tragus campestris), where it is stony, and on hills ; 
 Eland (Orcus cauna), largest of all, 5 feet at 
 shoulder ; Rietbok (Electrogus arundinaceus) , near 
 watercourses ; Lechee (A. Lechee), on banks of the 
 Zouga. In the woods : Duykerbok (Gephalopus 
 Grimmia), Bushbok (0. Burchellii), north of Orange 
 river; Rhoodebok (0. Natalensis), and the beautiful 
 Koodoo (Strepsiceros Kudu), near rivers. Addax (A. 
 nasomaculatus), on sandy tracts of the interior ; and
 
 HUNTING FIELDS. 93 
 
 the remarkable Antelope, Korus Sing- Sing, should be 
 sought for. Gnu (Connochetes gnu] and Brindled Gnu 
 {G. Gorgon), on the plains north of Orange river; 
 never south of Black river. Aard-Vark, or African 
 Ant Eater (Orycteropus Capensis), and the Aard-Wolf 
 (Proteles Lalandii), an animal interesting to zoologists 
 from its place in nature's economy, can be got in the 
 neighbourhood of Algoa Bay. 
 
 Many of the birds are very notable, among which 
 may be particularised : Ostrich ; Kori Bustard (Otis 
 Kori), the largest of the genus, upwards of five feet 
 high, very fine game, found especially in the countries 
 on fche banks of the Orange river; another, Otis 
 Denhami, always where Gazelles are ; and the African 
 Bustard (Otis ccerulescens) . The gigantic Stork 
 (Ciconia Marabou). Flamingo (Phcenicopterus ruber), 
 multitudes in the neighbourhood of Walvisch Bay; 
 and the small species (P. parvus) on the lakes; 
 Demoiselle Crane (Anthropoides virgo), Secretary Bird 
 (Gypogeranus Serpentarius), the superbly beautiful 
 Promerops erythrorhyncus, and Golden Cuckoo ; Bee- 
 eater (Merops apiaster), Roller (Coracius garrula), in 
 deep forests ; Sun-birds, etc. 
 
 Western Africa yields the Gorilla (Troglodytes 
 Gorilla), the Chimpanzee (T. niger), and two other 
 great anthropoid Apes (T. Aubryi), and the rare one 
 described by Du Chaillu, called by him T. Koolo- 
 Kamba, as well as T. calvus, all of which are valuable. 
 They are found in the most remote woods of the 
 Gaboon district. The very handsome King Monkey, 
 sometimes called Full-bottom, on account of its extra- 
 ordinary wig-like hair (Colobuspolycomus), and several 
 other species of Colobi can be got near Sierra Leone. 
 The Lion of Senegal is a distinct species, of yellower
 
 94, THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 colour than its congeners, but the mano is mostly 
 inferior. Panther (F. Pardus), Leopard, two species 
 (F. Leopardus and F. neglecta), Striped Hyjena (H. 
 atriata), Lynx (F. caracal and F. caligata), Hippo- 
 potamus. Of Antelopes: the Mohr (Gazella Mohr), 
 Kevel (<?.rtyi/ron), Red-crowned Bushbok (Ceplialopus 
 coronatus), the White-backed (G. sylvicultrix) , the Bay 
 (0. badius), the Black-striped (C. Ogilbii), the Black 
 (C. niger), the White Oryx (Oryx Leucoryx), Korrigum 
 (Damalis Senegalensis), and the Doria, or Gilded 
 Antelope (Doria Zebra), a perfect specimen of which 
 is rare in England, and should be sought for. 
 
 Of Birds in these countries : the Pheasant-like 
 Touracos, the beautiful Corythaix Sencgalensis, C. 
 erythrolophus, a superb species, Chizoeris varicgata,. 
 and the magnificent Musophaga violacea, can be 
 found frequenting the highest trees about the Gold 
 Coast. The Spur-winged Plover (Philomachus spinosus) 
 should be sought for, and its habits, of which little is 
 known, recorded ; Gigantic Stork (Ciconia Marabou), 
 Flamingo, Demoiselle Crane, Crowned Crane (Balearica 
 pavonina) ; Jabiru, a large wader, about the lakes and 
 marshes ; Great Kingfisher (Ispida yigantca), Secretary 
 Bird, Roller, Sun-birds, etc. 
 
 In the Northern countries of Africa will be found : 
 Lion, a distinct variety, with deep yellowish-brown 
 coat and grand mane; Leopard, Lynx, F. caracal, 
 F. caligata, and F. chaus the last-named most fre- 
 quently about marshes and bogs; Striped Hyaena 
 (H. striata), Wolf, Jackal; Gazelle (G. Dorcas), Addax 
 (A. nasomaculatus), plentifully; Bekker-el-Wash, or 
 Wild Ox, as the Arabs call him (Alcephalus Bubalis), 
 to the borders of Sahara ; in Barbary, the Bush Goat,, 
 or Barbary Deer (Cervus Barbarus), the only member
 
 HUNTING FIELDS. 95 
 
 of the Cervidce on this continent. Among the birds 
 are Flamingo, Demoiselle Crane, Crowned Crane,. 
 Roller, etc. Several Vultures, the Griffon (V. fulvus), 
 V. Kolbii, Neophron percnopterus , and other of the 
 Raptores. 
 
 Eastern Africa: Hippopotamus, in the Nile; 
 Elephant, in Abyssinia, where also, on the hills, Mohr 
 (Qazella Sommeringii), Andra (G. rnficollis), G. Dorcas, 
 G. Isabella, Oryx (0. Leucoryx), and the remarkable 
 Antelope (Hippotragus Bakeri} discovered (1868) by 
 Sir Samuel Baker, are principal quadrupeds. The 
 Ibis, Spur- winged Plover, many Storks, including 
 Ciconia Marabou. Flamingo, in Egypt. 
 
 AMERICA. The New World continent possesses 
 several animals which afford grand sport for the 
 hunter, but altogether the forms of animal life are 
 not so highly developed as those of the ancient great 
 divisions of the world. The birds, however, of Central 
 and South America are more beautiful and resplendent 
 with gorgeous plumage, as well as more various, than 
 are those of any other countries. The ornithology of 
 North America is also remarkable and valuable. 
 
 In North America, the Bison, or, as it is termed, 
 Buffalo (Bison Americanus) , ranges on the prairies of 
 the North-west, but at present is seldom seen east of 
 the Mississippi or south of the St. Lawrence, on this 
 the most inhabited side of the continent. The dis- 
 tricts of the Saskatchewan, and thence southward 
 of the upper course of the Missouri, as low as Texas 
 and Mexico, support immense herds. There are two 
 varieties recognised by local hunters of the Red River 
 districts, viz., that of the great plains, which generally 
 avoids the woods, and that much scarcer, which frequents 
 the woods ; this last is only found north of the Saskat-
 
 96 THE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 chewan and on the flanks of the Rocky Mountains. 
 Great Slave Lake is the northern limit of these grand 
 animals. Elk, or Moose (Alces Malchis), the largest of 
 the Cervidce, in the Canadian forests, Caribou (Rein- 
 deer), Wapiti (Cervus Oanadensis), 4% feet at shoulder, 
 can be got in the woods skirting the Saskatchewan 
 plains. A smaller variety in herds on the plains of 
 California and upper parts of the Missouri ; American 
 Deer (Cariacus Virginianus), most numerous on the 
 Pacific coasts ; Mexican ~Deer(C.Mexicanus) , White-tailed 
 Deer (C. leucurus), Cariacou Deer (0. nemoralis), shores 
 of Texas and Mexico ; Black-tailed Deer (C. Lewisii), 
 California; Mule Deer (C. macrotis), eastern slope 
 Rocky Mountains. Grizzly Bear (Ursus ferox), Black 
 Bear (U. Americanus), Polar Bear (Thalarctos mart- 
 timus), in the Northern Sea. Puma (Felis concolor), 
 which takes the place of the Lion in the New World, 
 can be met in the Southern States below New York. 
 There are two varieties, and sometimes a black ex- 
 ample is met with. Lynx (F. Canadensis), in the 
 woody districts of Canada. Many of the smaller fur- 
 bearing animals, among which is the large Otter 
 (Lutra Canadensis)) peculiar to the northern districts, 
 and the Opossum (Didelphys Virginiana). The Water 
 Fowl are innumerable and fine, of numberless species. 
 Red Flamingo (PJuenicopterus Chilensis) in the warmer 
 parts, but the colour is not so good as that of the 
 European species. Among the Eaptores will be found 
 Bald Buzzard (Pandion Halicetus) , the Sea Eagle 
 (H. leucocephalus), the symbol of the United States, 
 in every part of which it may be encountered, and 
 the Golden Eagle. The Harpy Eagle (Harpyia des- 
 tructor) must be sought in the thick forests of Mexico. 
 The fine ivory-billed Woodpecker (Picus principalis)
 
 HUNTING FIELDS. 97 
 
 can be got in Mexico and some of the Southern States, 
 but never north of Virginia. In Mexico and Guate- 
 mala may be collected the Trogons, perhaps the most 
 superb of all birds. They are never found on open 
 places or inhabited tracts, but are of solitary habits, 
 frequenting the deepest woods. Trogon resplendens, 
 the most splendid in colour and of finest form, should 
 be sought for ; T. Mexicanus, of exquisite and varied 
 colouring, is in the north of Mexico ; there are other 
 species of almost equal beauty. The Wild Turkey 
 (Meleagris Gallopavo) is plentiful in the North-Western 
 States, and ranges to the Isthmus of Darien ; another 
 species of singular beauty, M. ocellata, may be got in 
 Honduras. The Galeated Curassow (Ourax Pauxi) 
 and the Crested Curassow (Crax Alector) may be col- 
 lected in Mexico. 
 
 South America is not very rich in great game, but 
 has overwhelming interest for the naturalist. Of 
 Carnivora, the principal are Puma (F. concolor), as far 
 south as Paraguay, in Chili, and generally throughout 
 Brazil the Gray variety is never got north of the 
 Isthmus ; Jaguar (F. On$a) is found generally about 
 this half of the continent, but most numerously in 
 Pai'aguay and the Brazils. There is a handsome black 
 variety of this Cat to be met with frequently. Three 
 species of Ocelot can be collected in Paraguay, and 
 probably in Peru, viz., F. pardalis, the Gray (F. 
 armillata), and the Painted (Leopardus pictus). The 
 Chati (F. mitus], Pampas Cat (F. Pajeros), and several 
 others of similar species, as far south as Patagonia. 
 Otter (Lutra Braziliensis) , is plentiful in the lakes and 
 rivers of Paraguay. Llamas are in Columbia, Peru, 
 Chili, on the Cordilleras of the Andes, but recently 
 reduced in numbers ; they are also in Paraguay, but 
 
 H
 
 98 TEE SPORTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. 
 
 more rare. Tapir (Tapirus^Americanus), all over South 
 America, but never north of Darien. Of Cervidce : 
 The Guazupuco (Blastocerus paludosus) and Mazame 
 (B. campestris), northern Patagonia ; Tarush (Furcifer 
 antisiensis), mountains of Bolivia ; Guemul (F. Hua- 
 mel), on eastern coast; Cariacou (Cariacus nemoralis), 
 Guiana; the beautiful little Gauzu-viva (Coassus 
 nemorivagus), Brazil; the Cuguacu-ete (Coassus 
 rufus), large herds in the marshy woods ; several 
 species of Brocket in Brazil and Chili. The birds 
 are wonderfully varied and beautiful. The American 
 Ostrich (Rhea Americana) is numerous on the plains 
 of La Plata, as is also the smaller species (R. Dar- 
 winii). Several fine Saptores : Condor of the Andes 
 (Sarcoramphus Gryplius), one of the largest of the 
 Vulturidce, mostly in Peru and Chili ; Caracara Eagle 
 (Polyborus Braziliensis), on the coasts of Venezuela 
 and Brazil, most abundant in the south and east of 
 Brazil, and in Paraguay. Harpy Eagle, in Caracas, 
 Guiana; Brazilian Eagle (Horphmis Urubitinga), 
 Asturina cinerea, and numerous other Falconidce in 
 Guiana and Brazil. The naked-cheeked species are 
 confined to the southern parts of the continent. Eed 
 Flamingo, Peru, Chili, coasts of Brazil, and Guiana ; the 
 great Stork-like Jabiru (Mycteria Americana) will be 
 found generally on the marshes and round lakes ; while 
 about similar places in Brazil and Guiana those curious 
 fine birds, the Horned Screamer (Palamedea cornuta) 
 and the Chaja (Chauna Chavaria) may be met with, 
 the last named in Paraguay, and La Plata as well; 
 the ariama (Palamedea cristata), a bird of retiring 
 habits, frequents the mountain plains of Brazil, and is 
 found in Paraguay, but is scarcer there. Of Cracidw, 
 the Crested Curassow (Crax Alector), and the Guan
 
 HUNTING FIELDS. 99 
 
 (Penelope cristata), are in Brazil and Guiana ; the 
 Ortalida Motmot, a pheasant-like bird, and the Hoazin 
 (Opisthocamus cristatus), and others, in Guiana; the 
 Red-knobbed Curassow (Grax Yarrellii), in Peru. 
 Ivory-billed Woodpecker (Picus principalis), in Brazil. 
 The beautiful Cock of the Rock (Rupicolla aurantia), 
 now becoming rare, in Guiana, especially about the 
 river Oyapock ; another of this species, the E. Peru- 
 viana, is in Peru. The Great Toucan (Ramphastos 
 Toco), in the wooded districts of the river Plata and 
 Guiana; others, R. Cuvieri, Ptvroglossus Humboldtii> 
 and the Black-banded Toucan (P. pluridnctus) , about 
 the banks of the Amazon. Several species of the 
 exquisite Piprina, and other magnificent Chatterers, 
 or Fruit-eaters, are in Brazil and Guiana. These last- 
 named countries, with Peru and Chili, and the Tropical 
 regions generally, are the home of the incomparable 
 Trochilidce, or Humming Birds, which are found mostly 
 about the marshy deltas and the banks of the rivers. 
 Thousands of gorgeous Macaws, and various species 
 of Psittacara, or Parakeets, inhabit the warm districts 
 of the Andes, the Brazils, and Guiana.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 A. 
 
 Albatross, Trophies of, 45. 
 
 Alum Process, 18. 
 
 Anatomy, for Vital Shots, 4. 
 
 Antelope, 78, 81, 83, 84, 87, 92, 94. 
 
 Antlers, Packing of, 32. 
 
 Apparatus, 2, 27. 
 
 Arms, 2. 
 
 Arsenical Soap, 16. 
 
 Aurochs, 75. 
 
 Axis Deer, 79, 81, 85, 87, 88. 
 
 B. 
 
 Bacon Beetle, 19. 
 
 Barasingha, 79, 81, 83. 
 
 Barking Deer, 83. 
 
 Banjoe Stag, 87, 88. 
 
 Bear, 72, 75, 78, 80, 82, 85, 87, 88, 
 96. 
 
 Birds of Paradise, 89. 
 
 Birds : Collecting, 8, 9 ; decoys 
 and dummies, 10; sexing, 14; 
 preservative for skins, 16; pro- 
 tection of skins from insects, 
 17 ; skinning, 36-43 ; making 
 the ekin, 43; keeping in spirit, 
 46. 
 
 Bison priscus, 75. 
 
 Bison, 83, 95. 
 
 Black Buck, 83. 
 
 Blow-pipe, an implement for col- 
 lecting, 8. 
 
 Buffalo: Vital Shots, 6; Hunting 
 Fields, 80, 82, 84, 85, 92. 
 
 Burra-Sing, 78. 
 
 Burrell, 78. 
 
 C. 
 
 Camera, Photographic : part of 
 sportsman's kit, 11. 
 
 Cape Buffalo : Vital Shots, 6. 
 
 Casting Fish, 67. 
 
 Cervidw, Skinning, 29 : Head Tro- 
 phies, 31. 
 
 Cervidm, American, 96, 98. 
 
 Cheetah, 79, 81, 83, 84. 
 
 Collecting : Arms and Apparatus, 
 2-12; importance of record 
 and ticketing, 12-15; general 
 observations, 13. 
 
 Curing by natives, 15. 
 
 D. 
 
 Decoys, 10. 
 
 Dermestes Ladratus, 19. 
 Dummies, 10. 
 
 E. 
 
 Elephant : Difference of Indian 
 and African, 6 ; Vital Shots, 6 ; 
 the Duke of Edinburgh's, 21 ; 
 folding an elephant's skin, 21 ; 
 skinning his foot, 30; Hunting 
 Fields, 79, 80, 82, 84, 88, 92, 95. 
 
 Elk, 73, 96. 
 
 Felidce: Vital Shots, 5; skulls, 23; 
 skinning and preparation, 29. 
 
 Fish : preservation of, 24 ; im- 
 mersion in spirits, 25 ; packing, 
 25 ; skinning, 46 ; dressing with 
 preservative, 47.
 
 102 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 G. 
 
 Gaur : Vital Shots, 6 ; Hunting 
 
 Fields, 83-85. 
 Gnu, 93. 
 Goats, 78, 79. 
 Goral, 79. 
 Gorilla, 93. 
 Guns, 2. 
 
 H. 
 
 Head Trophies : skinning and 
 preparation, 81; with horns, 32; 
 in the bone, 33 ; setting up and 
 mounting, 59. 
 
 Hippopotamus : Vital Shots, 7, 8 ; 
 Hunting Fields, 92, 94, 95. 
 
 Hunting Fields, 71 ; Scandinavia 
 and the North, 71 ; Arctic Sea, 
 74; Russia, 75; Mediterranean 
 and Adriatic, 75 ; India, 77-85 ; 
 Ceylon, 85 ; Sumatra, 87 ; 
 Borneo, 88; Java, 88; New 
 Guinea and neighbouring is- 
 lands, 88; Australia, 90; 
 Southern Africa, 91 ; Western 
 Africa, 93 ; Northern Africa, 
 94 ; Eastern Africa, 95 ; North 
 America, 95; South America, 
 97. 
 
 Ibex, 78, 84. 
 
 Insects : protection against, 17 ; 
 destructive, 19 ; preservatives 
 for, 26 ; preparation of, 26 ; 
 collecting and storing, 48-53. 
 
 Jaguar, 97. 
 
 J. 
 
 K. 
 
 Knives and Implements, 12, 27. 
 
 L. 
 
 Leather dressing, 69. 
 Leopard, 78-81, 84, 85, 87, 88, 91, 
 
 94 
 Lime, use of, in curing, 15, 17. 
 
 Lion : Vital Shots, 5 ; Hunting 
 Fields, 81, 82, 91, 93, 94. 
 
 M. 
 
 Markhor, 78. 
 Mias, 87, 88. 
 Missiles, 3, 8. 
 Moufflon Sheep, 76. 
 Musk Ox, 75. 
 
 N. 
 
 Nylgai, 81, 83, 84. 
 
 0. 
 
 Onager, 81. 
 
 Oorial, 78. 
 
 Orang-Utan, 87. 
 
 Outs Ammon, 78. 
 
 Ovis Vignei, 78. 
 
 Ox, Black Sumatran, 87, 88. 
 
 Ox, Wild African, 94. 
 
 P. 
 
 Panther, 79, 82-85, 91, 94. 
 
 Pegging out, 18. 
 
 Photographic Pictures of living 
 F&TCB Naturce, 11 ; important 
 for memoranda, 11. 
 
 Pickle or Liquor : how to make, 20. 
 
 Preservation, processes of, 16; on 
 the Field, 17; for birds, 16; 
 for mammalia, fish, and reptiles, 
 17-24 ; deleterious treatment, 
 17 ; protection from insects, 17, 
 20; arsenical soap, 16; Alum 
 Process, 18; pickle, 20; other 
 resources, 24; immersion in 
 spirits, 25 ; for insects, 26. 
 
 Puma, 96, 97. 
 
 Quagga, 92. 
 
 Q. 
 
 II. 
 
 Red Deer, 73, 82. 
 Reindeer, 73, 96.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 103 
 
 Reptiles, preservation, 24 ; in 
 spirits, 25; skinning and pre- 
 paration, 46. 
 
 Rhinoceros :Vital Shots, 6; Hunting 
 Fields, 79, 80, 86-88, 92. 
 
 Eoebuck, 73. 
 
 Salt, use of, in curing, 17. 
 
 Samboe Deer, 87, 88. 
 
 Sambur, 79, 82-85. 
 
 Seal : Vital Shots, his brain, 7, 8. 
 
 Setting np, 53 ; of large animals 
 a Tiger, 54-59; of head tro- 
 phies, 59; of small mammals 
 a Squirrel, 60-62 ; reptiles, 62 ; 
 birds, 62-66. 
 
 Sexing birds, 14, 15. 
 
 Sheep, great, 76, 78. 
 
 Shon-Stag, 78. 
 
 Siamang, 87. 
 
 Skeletons, preparation, 35. 
 
 Skin dressing, 69. 
 
 Skinning and preparation : imple- 
 ments, 27 ; of large game, 29 ; 
 of an elephant's foot, 30; of 
 head trophies, 1 ; small mam- 
 malia, 33 ; birds, 38-43 ; making 
 the skin, 43 ; parts to save, 45 ; 
 birds in spirit, 47 ; reptiles and 
 fish, 47 ; insects, preparation, 48. 
 
 Skulls, proper preservation, 23, 33. 
 
 Slipping of hair, 19. 
 
 -Snakes : preservation and packing, 
 25. 
 
 Snares, 9. 
 Snnderbunds, the, SO. 
 
 T. 
 
 Tapir, 87, 98. 
 
 Terai, the, 78. 
 
 Thar, 79. 
 
 Tiger : Vital Shots, 5 ; preserva- 
 tion of skulls, 23 ; skinning, 29 ; 
 preparation, 30-32 ; setting up, 
 54-59 ; skin dressing, 69 ; Hunt- 
 ing Fields, 78-88. 
 
 Traps and Snares, 9. 
 
 Trophies : Artistic setting-up, 53 
 67; setting up a Tiger, 54-59; 
 heads, 59. 
 
 Turpentine, use of, against in- 
 sects, 16-19, 25, 31 ; not for all 
 bird-skins, 17, 18. 
 
 W. 
 
 Walrus, 75. 
 
 Wapiti, 96. 
 
 Wolf, 72, 75, 78, 81, 83, 84, 94. 
 
 Wolverine, 72. 
 
 Yak, 78. 
 
 Zebra, 92. 
 
 X,T. 
 
 Z. 
 
 CHAELES DICKEHS AWD BVAITS, CBTSTAL PALACE PBBSS.
 
 APPENDIX 
 
 RELATING TO APPARATUS, ETC. 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Jtrmantent : PAGE 
 
 E. F. P. Boss, St. James's Street, London ii 
 
 COGSWELL & HARRISON, New Bond Street, London . . ii 
 
 J. D. DOUGALL, 59, St. James's Street, London, and Glasgow ii 
 ALEXANDER HENRY, 12, South Street, Edinburgh, and Pall 
 
 Mall, London ......... iii 
 
 MOORE GREY, 43, Old Bond Street, London iv 
 
 JOHN RIGBY & Co., 24, Suffolk Street, Dublin iv 
 
 S. W. SILVER & Co., 67, Cornhill, London v 
 
 JAMES WOODWARD & SONS, 64, St. James's Street, London vi 
 
 (Sporting (Equipment : 
 
 T. W. WATSON, 4, Pall Mall, London vii 
 
 ROWLAND WARD & Co., 166, Piccadilly, London . viii, ix, x 
 
 MURRAY & HEATH, 69, Jermyn Street, London . xi 
 
 NORIE & WILSON, 157, Leadenhall Street, London . . xi 
 
 Ross & Co., 164, New Bond Street, London xi 
 
 ALFRED YOUNG, 1 743, Oxford Street, London . . xii 
 
 ROWLAND WARD & Co., 166, Piccadilly, London . . xii
 
 armament. 
 
 E. F. P. BOSS, 
 
 JUfte 
 
 73, ST. JAMES'S STREET, LONDON. 
 
 COGSWELL & HARRISON'S 
 
 SPECIALITIES. 
 
 The " Victor " Hammerless Gun. The Best and Safest made, being proo 
 against any accidental discharge. 
 
 The "Victor" and other systems of "Express" Rifles. Single and 
 
 Double. .360, .400, .450, .500, and .577 bores. 
 The Collector's Walking Stick Gun. Barrel bored out of solid. Very 
 
 Simple Action. Price 408. 
 " Rook Rifles." Detailed List on application. 
 
 142, NEW BOND STREET, W., 
 223 and 224, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. 
 
 J. D. DOUCALL, 
 
 59, ST. JAMES'S STEEET, LONDON, 
 
 AND 
 
 23, GOEDON STEEET, GLASGOW, 
 ctflamifarturcti the Original J0ts})th Jiifks, 
 
 On which the late Captain Forsyth based his experience. 
 
 By producing only the best quality of Guns and Rifles, and applying 
 important improvements, these weapons stand in the highest estimation 
 of the sporting world in India, America, and at home. The shot guns 
 are unequalled from the superiority of Dougall's "Express" Choke- 
 boring. 
 
 Maker to Their Royal Highnesses the PRINCE of WALES 
 and the DUKE of EDINBURGH. 
 
 BUSINESS ESTABLISHED A.D. 1760.
 
 gtraamrttt 
 
 ALEXANDER HENRY. 
 
 BY SPECIAL ^ .^ -^ APPOINTMENT TO 
 
 THEIR ROYAL flSSflSrar' HIGHNESSES 
 
 The PRINCE of WALES and *& e %S'*& The DUKE of EDINBURGH 
 
 ALEXANDER HENRY, 
 GUN & RIFLE MANUFACTURER, 
 
 12, SOUTH SAINT ANDEEW STEEET, EDINBUEGH; 
 And 118, PALL MALL, LONDON, s.w. 
 
 (FIRST FLOOR Two DOORS EAST FROM UNITED SERVICE CLUB), 
 
 Inventor and Patentee of the Rifle Barrel and Ammunition adopted by 
 
 the British Government ; and of the Rifle and Ammunition adopted by the 
 
 Government of New South Wales. 
 
 SOLE MANUFACTURER OF 
 
 HENRY'S PATENT BREECH-LOADING 
 "EXPRESS" RIFLES, 
 
 Single and Double Barrelled, of .360, .400, .450, .500, and .577 gauge, regulated 
 with medium or extra heavy charges as may be desired. 
 
 HENRY'S LARGE BORE BREECH-LOADING 
 RIFLES, 
 
 From 16 up to 4 bore, for Conical or Spherical Shells or Solid Bullets. 
 
 Hammerless and other Guns with all the most recent improvements. 
 
 Compound Guns, i.e. with one Rifle and one Shot barrel. 
 
 PUNT AND DUCK GUNS. 
 
 Collectors' Guns, and Rifles and Guns suitable for Sporting or 
 Collecting purposes in all parts of the world. 
 
 Price Lists Post Free on application. 
 
 VIENNA EXHIBITION 1873, GRAND MEDAL FOR PROGRESS. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA 1876, TWO MEDALS, DIPLOMAS, &c., for "very best 
 
 material and workmanship combined with moderation in prices," and for 
 
 "perfection and simplicity of mechanism," &c. 
 
 SOUTH AFRICA 1877, DIPLOMA OF HONOUR AND GOLD MEDAL. 
 PARIS 1878, SILVER MEDAL.
 
 fttwament 
 
 WM. MOORE & GREY, 
 
 GUN MAKERS, 43, OLD BOND STREET, LONDON, W., 
 In addition to their well-known 
 
 BEST GUNS and PATENT EXPRESS RIFLES, 
 
 Have a Large Stock of the most improved 
 
 BREECH-LOADING GUNS, 
 
 With and without External Hammers, with all improvements, at prices to suit 
 
 all purchasers. 
 
 Every variety of New and Second-hand Guns, Rifles, and Pistols. 
 W. M. & G. are the Sole Makers of the New Patent Breech-loading Punt Gun 
 and the celebrated Long-range Shot Cartridges for Wild-Fowl, &c., and the Original 
 Makers of the '^lo-bore Collector's Gun (so useful for small birds), with their 
 Improved Composite Cartridges. 
 
 Cartridges Loaded to suit all purposes, frcm the Lowest Prices. 
 
 JOHN RICBY & CO. 
 
 EXPRESS RIFLES. 
 
 Celebrated for Killing Power, Accuracy, Exact Sighting, & Durability. 
 Guages .577, .500, .450, .400, .380; Weights from nib. to sib. 
 
 The Annual Sportsman's Contest in India was won with Rigby .450 Double 
 Express for the last three years. 
 
 HAMMERLESS DOUBLE GUNS. 
 
 RIGBY'S Patent Vertical Grip and Safety Bolting. Improved Steel 
 
 Barrels. 
 
 Breechloading, Match, Military, and Express Rifles (Field's Patent 
 Action, Rigby's Improvements). 
 
 ALL SPORTING NECESSARIES SUPPLIED. 
 
 PRICK LISTS, &c., on application to 
 
 JOHN RIGBY & CO., 
 
 24, SUFFOLK STREET, DUBLIN, 
 
 72, ST. JAMES'S STREET, LONDON, S.W.
 
 Etmattmtt 
 
 S. W. SILVER & CO. 
 One Sporting Arm for both Large and Small Game. 
 
 The attention of Hunter- Sportsmen and other Travellers who desire to take the 
 least possible quantity and weight of equipment is directed to the advantages of the 
 " TRANSVAAL," the COMPACTNESS and PORTABILITY of which are among its pro- 
 minent features. 
 
 THE PATENT "TRANSVAAL," 
 
 Gun and Rifle combined, 
 
 Is a short and light, but powerful sporting arm, with Martini breech action for rapid 
 firing, and has the NEW PATENT BARREL DETACHMENT, by means of 
 which INTERCHANGEABLE Barrels are adapted to take Snider, Martini-Henry, '577 
 Express, and No. 12 Rifle Ammunition, for big game ; and Shot Barrels of 20, 16, or 
 12 bore, for birds and ordinary sport. The Shot Barrels may be Choke-bored, or 
 Cylinder for Ball or Shot. One Mould casts Hollow or Solid Bullets. 
 
 By the Barrel Detach- 
 ment, which is adapted 
 without adding a single 
 piece to the rifle, the parts 
 of the works which re- 
 quire oiling ariH cleaning, 
 as well as the barrel it- 
 self, are exposed to view ; 
 whilst the length of the 
 arm is considerably re- 
 duced for packing. 
 
 The "TRANSVAAL" is 
 fitted with SILVER'S 
 PATENT HEEL PLATE 
 which neutralises the re- 
 coil, and admits of the 
 weapon being made un- 
 usually light, the extra 
 weight of metal generally 
 
 THE "TRANSVAAL," 
 
 With Interchangeable Shot Barrel, forming Gun and 
 Rifle combined. 
 
 put into heavy shooting 
 guns to counteract the re- 
 coil being dispensed with. 
 Thus the "TRANSVAAL" 
 is very handy for use on 
 horseback, for which pur- 
 pose the "TRANSVAAL" 
 BUCKET has been speci- 
 ally designed. The weapon 
 is also readily convertible 
 into a small-bore rifle for 
 shooting deer and small 
 With Patent Detachment, showing Barrel separated game, using revolver am- 
 
 from Stock, and facilities for cleaning. munition. 
 
 A very considerable number of " TRANSVAAL " Rifles are in use in various parts of 
 the world, and have received the unqualified approval of many well-known hunters. 
 
 "It isasplendid little weapon. "T. SAMSON, 
 late Sergt.-Major Coldstream Guards. 
 
 " The Shot Barrel is a great point, as people, 
 hunting as they do on horseback many miles from 
 their waggons, frequently require a shot barrel 
 to shoot tor food. When big game cannot be had 
 Guineafowl, ducks, pheasants, partridges, &c., 
 
 are generally procurable." C. K. , Major. 
 
 Weight of Rifle, 7lb.; length of barrel, 27 in.; case when packed, 2 ft. 5 in. long. 
 PRICES : " TRANSVAAL," with Martini or Snider Barrels and Safety Bolt, 
 3 IDS. ; ditto with '450 Express Barrel, 10 ; with '577 Express or No. 12 Rifle 
 Barrels, tz izs. Interchangeable 12, 16, or 20 Shot Barrels, 6os. each. Converting 
 Chambers to fit Martini Barrel and taking Revolver Cartridge, 55. each. 
 
 FULL PARTICULARS ON APPLICATION TO 
 
 S. W. SILVER & CO., Sun Court, 67, CornMll, London, E.C. 
 
 " I am very pleased with the 'Transvaal 'I pur- 
 chased from you." T. WILLIAMS, Liverpool 
 
 " I have pleasure in informing you that your 
 Transvaal' gives me entire satisfaction, and is 
 very accurate." J. C , London. 
 
 " I killed a pigeon with the Transvaal ' shot 
 gun an extraordinary distance off; one of the 
 longest shots I ever saw." R. PARAMORE.
 
 Armament. 
 
 "THE AUTOMATIC" 
 
 Patent Hammerless Safety Gun, 
 
 FOR WHICH A PRIZE MEDAL WAS AWARDED AT 
 THE PARIS EXHIBITION. 
 
 JAMES WOODWARD & SONS have great confidence in recommending 
 this Gun, as it is made with the old form of gun lock, which is so 
 very essential in a Hammerless Gun. Also the Patent Self-acting 
 Safety Bolt, which simultaneously locks both hammers and triggers on 
 opening the Gun. 
 
 For Prices and full particulars apply to 
 
 JAMES WOODWARD & SONS, 
 
 fepre** fen mtb flifle JHanufactor*, 
 
 64, ST. JAMES'S STREET. 
 
 MAKUTAOTOKY-l, BLUE BALL YAKD, LONDON.
 
 Sporting 
 
 T. W. WATSON, 
 
 4, PALL MALL, LONDON. 
 
 GUNS AND RIFLES 
 
 OF EVERY KIND AND CALIBRE 
 At very Moderate Prices. 
 
 far (Dffenxe -& 
 
 KNIVES AND INSTRUMENTS 
 
 For Cutting, Flaying, and Preserving. 
 
 INSTRUMENTS OF ALL KINDS 
 
 FOR TRAVEL AND SURVEY. 
 
 BINOCULAR FIELD GLASSES & TELESCOPES. 
 
 Microscopes for Minute Research. 
 SETS OF PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS 
 
 For recording the Country and its Products. 
 
 Watsons National Breechloaders 
 
 ABE THE BEST GUNS MADE FOE ALL -BOUND SHOOTING. 
 Price 12 10s. 
 
 T, "W\ "W-A-TSOUST, 
 
 4> PALL MALL, LONDON, 
 
 Illustrated Catalogues on application.
 
 viii Sporting 
 
 ROWLAND WARD & CO. 
 
 BY APPOINTMENT TO 
 
 H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, to H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh, 
 and to the Courts of Europe. 
 
 ROWLAND WARD & CO., 
 
 JJntctiral J}atxintU0t0, 
 166, PICCADILLY, LONDON. 
 
 CANADIAN CANOES. 
 
 Five sizes of these Canoes are always kept in stock, but other sizes 
 can at all times be obtained from the Canadian Works, where particular 
 adaptations can be carried out. These exquisitely constructed craft are 
 a result of the most extended and unfettered practical experience of the 
 Trapper's and Sportsman's needs in SHOOTING, FISHING, and 
 TRAVELLING with the least expenditure of effort. The Canoes are 
 varnished and copper fastened, built of the finest native Basswood ; 
 light in weight, they can easily be carried past Locks and awkward 
 parts ; capacious and trustworthy ; of minimum draught, admitting of 
 
 the greatest economy of individual power for loco- 
 motion on the waters. 
 
 ROWLAND WAKD & CO,, 166, Piccadilly, London,
 
 Sporting lEgutpment 
 
 IX 
 
 ROWLAND WARD & CO. 
 
 CANADIAN CANOES (continued). 
 
 PARTICULARLY SUITABLE FOR 
 
 AQUATIC SHOOTING on Rivers, Lakes, Meres, and Inland Waters 
 
 FISHING, and for EXPLORATION. 
 
 DECOYS and DUMMIES of imperishable material and various make : as 
 Wood-pigeon, Rooks, Grouse, Shore-birds, Guljs, Ducks, &c., &c., kept in stock. 
 Any others devised to order, 155. each. Stock-birds, 125. 6d. each. 
 
 KOWLAND WAED & CO,, 166, Piccadilly, London. 
 
 L
 
 Sporting 
 
 ROWLAND WARD * CO. 
 
 BV APPOINTMENT TO 
 
 <aTht Urine* of Sanks, to $.21. $. ^hc gukc xrf 
 Orojnbnrgh, anfc to tht Courts of (Europe 
 
 ROWLAND WARD & CO., 
 
 Practical Naturalists, 
 166, PICCADILLY, LONDON. 
 
 INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS 
 
 SKINNING AND PRESERVATION OF TROPHIES 
 
 SETTING-UP OF SPECIMENS. 
 
 1 r he Travelling Naturalist's Vade-Mecum, 
 
 A COMPACT CASE CONTAIN ING- 
 ARSENICAL PASTE ALUM 
 INSTRUMENT CASE COMMON KNIVES 
 BRUSHES NEEDLES 
 AND ALL REQUISITES. 
 
 The Instrument Case for Birds contains all the instruments depicted on page 
 
 27 of this book, and they can be had in the case or singly. 
 Arsenical Soap in Zinc Canisters, js. bd.per lb., always ready. 
 
 MR. ROWLAND WARD will be happy to advise personally as to the 
 PRESERVATION and UTILISATION of Trophies, and will make rough 
 sketches, if need be, and give suggestions as to the SETTING-UP of 
 Specimens. 
 
 NOTICE. MR. HENRY WARD, of Vere Street (senior member of the 
 family), having recently died, and MR. EDWIN WARD, of Wigmore Street, 
 having retired from business, our MR. ROWLAND WARD is the only 
 member of the long unrivalled and experienced WARD Family now left in 
 the profession. The advantages of the study and skill, matured by long 
 experience, which they have accumulated, can now only be obtained from 
 the remaining member of the family, at our New Galleries, 166, Piccadilly. 
 
 ROWLAND WARD & CO.
 
 Sporting 
 
 MURRAY & HEATH. 
 
 THE 
 
 Portable photographic 
 
 FOR TRAVELLERS AND SPORTSMEN. 
 
 NO KNOWLEDGE OF PHOTOGRAPHY REQUISITE. 
 
 SOLE MANUFACTURERS '. 
 
 MURRAY & HEATH, Opticians, &c,, to Her Majesty, 
 
 69, JERMYN STREET, LONDON, S.W. 
 
 NORIE & WILSON. 
 
 To Sportsmen and Travellers. 
 NORIE & WILSON, 
 
 157, LEADENHALL STREET, LONDON, 
 
 Have a large selection of their 
 
 CELEBRATED 63/- FIELD GLASSES, 
 
 THE BEST AND STRONGEST MADE; 
 
 Also Telescopes and Pocket Compasses, 
 
 SUITABLE FOR THE SPORTSMAN OR TRAVELLER. 
 
 Travellers also supplied with SEXTANTS, ARTIFICIAL HORI- 
 ZONS, and all INSTRUMENTS suitable for EXPLORATION and 
 
 SURVEYING, &c., 
 AND INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN IF REQUIRED. 
 
 Illustrated Catalogues Post Free. 
 
 ROSS & CO. 
 
 Ross's Celebrated Telescopes 
 
 POWERFUL FI N ELD GLASSES, 
 Microscopes and Apparatus, 
 
 , Cameras, <&c. l^rabdUrs' nifits. 
 
 ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUES FREE ON APPLICATION. 
 
 BOSS & 00,, 164, New Bond Street, London, W. 
 
 ESTABLISHED 1830.
 
 xi 
 
 ALFRED YOUNG, 
 
 THE GOLDEN PERCH, 
 174n, Oxford Street, London, W. 
 
 JHanufarturer of Jfishing ftote mib Cackle 
 
 OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. 
 
 The Angler's Handbook and Catalogue of Prices, with Eighty 
 Illustrations of Rods, Flies, Baits, Tackle, and much valuable pisca- 
 torial information, sent post free on application. 
 
 ROWLAND WARD & CO. 
 
 JUtifictal Jflies far Jftshmg. 
 
 BIRDS of plumage suitable for the devising of all Artificial Flies 
 (but not separate feathers) kept always in stock. 
 
 MOUNTING FISH. 
 
 The new method of mounting specimens of Fish, practised by Mr. 
 ROWLAND WARD, presents the example as though suspended naturally 
 in water. No background, or support to the Fish, is obtruded. 
 
 FISH FOR PRESERVATION. 
 
 In forwarding a Fish to be preserved, the specimen should be placed 
 on a board, fully the length of the fish, and then be carefully packed in 
 a basket with plenty of rushes or grass, not previously wetted, so as to 
 make the parcel compact, and that the Fish may not be shaken about 
 or be injured by pressure. 
 
 MEMO. The Teeth of Fish and their Scales, especially those of 
 large foreign varieties, can be mounted well into very pretty ornaments 
 for personal wearing. 
 
 ROWLAND WARD & CO., 166, PICCADILLY, LONDON.
 
 University of California 
 
 SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 
 
 Return this material to the library 
 
 from which it was borrowed. 
 
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