[NHCOLL-L:2173] Study Skin Preparation

[Richard Rego]

Good Day,

    I have a couple of questions in regards to study skins.  First is what, if any, preservatives are used on the skins?  I have heard borax has a tendency to alter pH and cause color change in the pelt over time and that it's use is now mostly discouraged.  Second, what material is commonly used as "stuffing" with the finished specimen?  Third, if wire is used in the specimen, is it stainless steel or other?  Is wood still used within the skin to keep it straight?  Lastly, what type of thread is used to sew the mouth and skinning incision closed?
    Any information you can provide on study skin preparation would be helpful.  Thanks in advance.

R.J. Rego
mummichog at naisp.net

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://mailman.yale.edu/mailman/private/nhcoll-l/attachments/20031215/8a5b64f4/attachment.html