ODDS AND ENDS, TAXIDERMIC NOVELTIES.
There is almost no end to the useful and interesting things an ingenious
person can turn out in this line. There is quite a demand for the
preservation of the plumage of game birds for millinery use since the
killing of other birds for this purpose was forbidden. Wings, tails,
heads and breasts, principally, of grouse, pheasants and water fowl so
used do not call up visions of starving nestlings. They need only to be
skinned and poisoned as usual and pinned out to dry in the desired shape
often loosely filling in and some cases wiring with rather small soft
wire. When dry all raw edges or surfaces should be covered with pieces
of cambric or lining canvas glued on.
Antlers and horns are sometimes worked up into armchairs and two pairs
of small deer antlers turned upside down and screwed to a square of
board make the foundation of a nice stool. Hat, gun and rod racks of
feet, antlers and heads in various combinations are mentioned elsewhere
and occasionally some one attempts an electrolier of antlers, mounted
either on the heads or separately.
To do this grooves are chiseled out of the back of the antlers to
receive insulated wire running to each point which is equipped with a
light bulb. After placing the wires and bulbs and testing, the grooves
are filled with "mache" or putty colored to match the other surface.
Peacock feather and fox tail dusters are fitted with buck horn handles
or those made of fox or wild cat paws. Riding whips will look well with
the same style handles.
Screens from mounted birds are highly ornamental, especially those of
framed plush or satin on which birds of contrasting plumage are mounted
in medallion style. It would be hard to find a more beautiful object
than a snow white heron medallion on a black velvet screen framed in
gold. These medallions are mounted by flattening the subject
considerably so it is in little more than half relief.
A number of small birds may be mounted on a satin covered screen with
embroidered branches and foliage. Some of the smaller fur bearers have
been used in this way with success.
Some artists have specialized in grotesque mounting of small specimens,
singly and in groups. Frogs, toads and squirrels are best suited to such
caricature work.
A foot muff can be made up from scraps of fur and will be appreciated in
cold climates on long rides and indoors as well sometimes. To make this
a covering of the size and shape of a foot stool is made of carpet or
similar material. The bottom and sides are of this and the top of some
short fur. A slit is made in this top and a bag of long fur or wool is
sewed into the slit so when the muff or stool is loosely filled with tow
and excelsior the feet may be thrust down into the fur lined pocket. The
head of a fox or wildcat in half relief put on top, over the feet will
give a finish to it.
[Illustration: FOOT MUFF, TRIMMED WITH HEAD AND TAILS.]
A novelty in fur rugs is to mount the skin of some small animal in the
center of a larger one of contrasting color. The so-called Plates of
black goat are often so used with a fox, coon, or lynx in the center.
To do this mount the fox as for a half head rug, when dry and shaped cut
out a paper pattern the exact size of it. Apply this pattern to the back
of the goat plate, mark around it and cut out, leaving the opening a
little smaller than pattern. Be sure pattern was right side up. Sew the
skin in from the back, wad and line it. A felt trimming is unnecessary
on this rug.
[Illustration: MONKEY CARD RECEIVER.]
Match safes, candle holders, and similar things are made from the heads
of fish and ducks with metal containers fastened in their open mouths.
Monkeys, bear cubs and alligators mounted erect with card trays are
quite striking while foxes or raccoons peering over the edge of umbrella
jars or waste baskets are equally so. Many animals are mounted in
Germany for advertising purposes, being either sold outright or rented
by the month. Some of these are really a form of slot machine with coin
actuated mechanisms while others are motor driven, attracting attention
as moving displays always do. Bears and foxes on swings and seesaws and
various small animals on merry-go-rounds are always attractive.