so much of the back end of the cranium as to loosen the articulations of the lower jaw. The lower mandible should be left in place so that the bill will close in normal position, preferably without tying. If tying be necessary, do not draw thread so tight as to force lower mandible back out of normal position against upper. In birds larger than linnet, if leg bones be broken, replace with sticks so that feet remain firmly anchored to body. In birds larger than meadowlark use solid excelsior or tow body; but avoid over stuffing; with larger birds aim to make a flattish skin. Be faithful in removing all fat and grease. Mammal skulls should be severed from the vertebral column using extreme care not to injure the skull. Skulls the size of Citellus or larger should have the major part of the masseter muscle snipped off to allow the skull to dry quickly. In making out the skull tag, enter field number, initials and sex symbol with Higgins eternal ink. In all cases write large and heavy. This is important, for the fading of the number means the loss of a speci- men. Cut off the loose ends of the string. Attach tag to skull by running the string between the lower jaws. Tie with about 1/4" slack in the string. Do not tie tightly around the lower jaw; there is danger of breaking it in bat or shrew skulls. Also, a loose string allows the beetles to eat the meat directly be- tween it and the jaw bone. Soak skulls in cold water for 12 hours, to remove the blood and loosen the brain. In very hot weather it may be necessary to change the water to prevent fermentation. Bones acquire a bluish tinge when the temperature of the water rises and maceration begins. After taking the skulls out of water, blow the brains out with the aid of a hypodermic fitted with a blunt needle, or atomizer bulb fitted with a short rubber tube and blunt hypodermic needle.