This fascinating text contains a comprehensive step by step guide pertaining to the preparation and preservation of a bird skin to be used in taxidermy. Containing all the information necessary for such an endeavour and written in an accessible manner, this handbook is perfect for the amateur taxidermist and constitutes a great addition to any collection of taxidermic literature. This book has been elected for modern republication due to its timelessly educational value, and is proudly republished here with a new introduction to the subject. Elliott Coues (1842 - 1899) was an American historian, army surgeon, ornithologist, and author, whose notable works include New England Bird Life (1881) and Birds of the Colorado Valley (1878).