A Local Taxidermist.

Manawatu Herald, 27 November 1897, Page 2

A Local Taxidermist.

» It is surprising bow many things are done about us which few know anything about. When found we like to imitate the famous Captain Cuttle and make a note of it. By this we do not desire to say that we were not previously aware that our local taxidermist was not a skilful hand, but we do think few people knew that Mr George Langley displays great taste and aJrill in this moßt useful art, which he has acquired from his own tuition. It is but repeating what is known that a taxidermist is one skilled io taxidermy and preserving the skins of animals and also of stuffing and mounting the skins so as to give them as close a resemblence to the living forms as possible. There are two main methods of stuffing, the soft and the hard. In the former the skin is wired, or otherwise fixed on an internal framework, and cotton or tow is introduced, bit by bit till the desired form is secured. In the latter a solid mass of tow, shaped like the animal is introduced within the skin, which is then moulded upon this artificial body. Hard stuffing is usually practised on birds. In Mr Langley's houso some capital specimens are to be seen of various birds set up true to nature. In one corner are three penguins looking ready to rise at one's approach. In a case there is a pukeka with head bent looking for a gardener's planted potato. Chicks are about him, and a weasel has one in the death grip. Native ducks are set up as though swimming on their favourite lagoon. A kaka is perched on a branch on which is also a tui and an Australian magpie. There are many other birds and are equally well set up but deserve a better showing off. We must not forget to mention a few petrels, obtained from the beach, as well as a fine specimen of the Stormy Petrel, one of Mother Carey's chickens, which the tale of " Masterman Beady " has made so many lads, now men, acquainted with. On a shelf is a handsome skeleton, all neatly put together, of a young Albatross, and the length of wing, in proportion to the body is tbuß plainly discernabie. Mr George Langley has also stowed away many skins of fishes, properly cured, only awaiting time to mount. He has one ready and it looks very well. A white crane shot by accident a little time ago has been set up by him and will be a fine piece of property for its fortunate owner, Mr C. Spring. What we were pleased to notioe about Mr George Langley's possessions was that he appears interested in all matters, as he holds a fine collection of shells, a few Maori instruments, and has also a large block of greenstone which the Natives many years ago, gave to his father when residing at Lowry Bay, Wellington. If we only had an energetic Council we might have a fine Council Chamber erected on the vacant land by the Library, the walls of which might be utilised as a commencement

for a museum. We daresay that anyone interested in taiidermy Could obtain a sight of Mr Langley's work, as a fellow feeling makes us wondrous kind*