Methods in the Art of Taxidermy by Oliver Davie

Taxidermy Instruments

• 3 Skin-scrapers, various sizes, one small for birds, "home made" as directed, Fig 7, P1. II
• 1 currier's knife, toothed, one with plain edge, Figs. 8, 9, PI. II.
• 1 bone-saw, Fig. 4, PI. II.
• 3 pair spring forceps, one curved point, two straight, Figs. 5,6, PI. IIi Fig. 4, PI. III.
• 4 drills of different sizes, for making holes in legs of birds-dry skins especially. Fig. 2, PI. II.
• 1 chain and hooks, Fig. I, PI. II.

• 2 pair Hall's cutting pliers, 5 and 7 inch, Fig. I, PI. III.
• 3 flat-nosed pliers of different sizes, Fig. 2, PI. III.
• 1 hand-vise, Fig. 3, PI. III.
• 6 sizes of surgeon's needles, three straight, three curved, Fig. 6, PI. III.

• 3 stuffing rods, of various lengths as directed, of iron wire, notched at one end, with loop or wood handles, as in Figs. I, 2, 3, PI. IV.
• 5 boxwood and steel modeling tools of different shapes, Figs. 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9. PI. IV.
• 3 gouges of different sizes.
• 5 chisels of various sizes.
• 2 sizes of screw-drivers.
• 1 2-footrule.
• 1 12-foot tape measure.
• 1 thread-cutter for iron,
• 1 for brass.
• 1 bolt-clipper.
• 1 first-class hand-saw.
• 1 key-hole saw.
• 1 ratchet-brace, with bits and drills.
• 6 gimlet bits of different sizes.
• 2 sizes of monkey-wrenches.
• 1 first-class hatchet.
• 1 machinist's hammer.
• 1 claw-hammer.
• 1 tack-hammer.
• 1 cold-chisel.
• 1 nail-punch.
• 3 hack-saws, for iron and brass.
• 1 pair of calipers.
• 1 set of files, five sizes.
• 1 glue-pot.
• 10 darning-needles of different sizes.
• 4 awls, various sizes.
• 3 papers of common needles, various sizes.
• 1 paper of pins.
• 1 set of glover's needles, five sizes.
• 2 balls of Barbour’s Irish flax, No. 12.
• 12 8pools Barbour's linen thread.
• 1 thimble.
• 1 spirit-lamp or gas-stove.
• 1 ball best linen sewing twine.
• 1 bobbin of fine, soft thread for winding the plumage of birds, Fig. 7, 1'1. III.
• 1 copper tank in wooden box for collecting alcoholics.
• 1 alcoholometer for testing the strength of alcohol.
• 4 iron kettles of various sizes, from one gallon upwards.
• 2 pails, or more. 1/2 dozen bowls of different sizes.
• 2 small trowels.
• 1 sculptor's broad spatula, copper, 10 inches long, for moulding.
• 1 R. Hochn Co.'s taxidermist's salinometer for testing strength of salt and alum solution.
• 1 good stomach and a clear head.