taxidermy and zoological collecting

I found this book at the local library in the awesome section.  It has diagrams and  methods for dissecting and mounting everything from polar bears down to small bats, lizards, and fishes.  It was written in a style and at a time when taxidermy wasn’t about mounting billy-bobs umpteenth whitetail buck, but a scientific and artistic display of specimens for museum and refined parlor display.  The Victorian mindset is really evident in the chapter on decorative arrangements and viewing.  The proper way and time to reveal the pieces to dinner guests is even recommended.  I am at this very moment planning the layout of my very own dead animal display parlor to impress my well heeled guests and their refined entertainment needs.