Home Taxidermy for Pleasure and Profit A Guide for Those Who Wish to Prepare and Mount Animals, Birds, Fish, Reptiles, etc., for Home, Den, or Office Decoration   By: Albert Burton Farnham (1870-)

Home Taxidermy for Pleasure and Profit by Albert Burton Farnham is an old-fashioned guide that delves into the controversial realm of taxidermy. Although the book presents itself as an informative resource for individuals interested in mounting and preserving animals for decorative purposes, it is important to approach this text with caution due to its outdated and questionable content.

Starting with the positives, Farnham showcases considerable knowledge and expertise in the field of taxidermy. He begins by providing readers with a historical overview of the practice, discussing its origins and the various techniques involved. The book also features detailed instructions, accompanied by illustrations, on how to prepare and mount a wide range of animals, birds, fish, reptiles, and more.

It is worth mentioning, however, that Home Taxidermy for Pleasure and Profit fails to address the ethical concerns associated with this controversial art form. The book seems to view taxidermy merely as a means of decoration, neglecting to acknowledge the potential harm caused to animal populations and the moral dilemmas surrounding the practice. Modern readers, sensitive to animal rights and conservation, will likely find this omission troubling and unacceptable.

Moreover, the writing style employed by Farnham is rather archaic, making the text inaccessible and difficult to follow at times. The language used can be convoluted, leaving readers struggling to comprehend the author's instructions. A more contemporary approach with clearer explanations and concise language would have greatly enhanced the book's accessibility and value to readers.

Furthermore, the book lacks information on the legalities and regulations surrounding taxidermy. In an era where wildlife preservation and conservation efforts are paramount, it is essential for budding taxidermists to understand the legal constraints and ethical standards associated with this practice. Unfortunately, Farnham's guide falls short in this regard, leaving readers ill-prepared and potentially in violation of the law.

Overall, Home Taxidermy for Pleasure and Profit by Albert Burton Farnham serves as an interesting historical artifact, shedding light on the practices and techniques prevalent in the early days of taxidermy. However, its lack of updated information on ethics, legality, and conservation renders it obsolete for the modern reader. Those seeking a comprehensive guide to taxidermy should look towards more contemporary publications that address these crucial aspects while embracing a more compassionate and responsible approach to the art form.

First Page:

INTRODUCTORY 13 I. HISTORY OF THE ART 17 II. OUTFIT TOOLS AND MATERIALS 21 III. PRESERVATIVE PREPARATIONS, FORMULA, ETC. 38 IV. PANELS, SHIELDS AND NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL MOUNTS 48 V. FIELD WORK, COLLECTING 59 VI. SKINNING AND PRESERVING SKINS 64 VII. MAKING SCIENTIFIC SKINS 77 VIII. PREPARING DRY AND WET SKINS FOR MOUNTING 84 IX. MOUNTING SMALL AND MEDIUM BIRDS 87 X. MOUNTING LARGE BIRDS 98 XI. TANNING, CLEANING, AND POISONING SKINS 102 XII... Continue reading book >>