Transcribe Custom Work in Taxidermy: Birds (1882)

CUSTOM WORK IN TAXIDERMY

BIRDS

Ward's Natural Science Establishment Rochester, N.Y., Jan. 1, 1882.

In answer to numerous inquiries from correspondents, in regard to prices for mounting various birds, I have prepared the followings lists of prices. The several scores of forms herein enumerated have been chosen as being fairly representative of the different values. It should be understood that difficulty of mounting is not dependent entirely upon size, but to a considerable extent upon the conditions. The chief difficulty is with a thin, tender skin and consequent easy loosening of feathers; and with skins whose feathers are stained by grease or blood. The first requires more care and hence more time; while the latter, the cleaning of the feathers, increases the work of mounting by a third or a half. This fact has been taken into account in making up these lists, and will explain any seeming inconsistency in the arrangement.

The large amount of work yearly sent out from my establishment has allowed me to keep permanently in my employ a corps of trained Taxidermists, each thoroughly skilled in his own special division. I have thus been enabled to raise the standard of my work very high, and also to mount satisfactorily skins which in ordinary hands would have been simply worthless.

Parties who are sending skins to be mounted, should first examine them carefully in order to be themselves aware of the exact state of the specimen, as to grease, loose feathers, etc.

The choicest quality of eyes is used, and each specimen mounted on a neatly turned Black Walnut perch or Ash pedestal. For further information, estimates, &c. apply to

HENRY A. WARD.