For such animals as horses and dogs, first take away the skin and the internal organs, and then with the knife remove the greater part of the flesh. Next place the bones in frequently changed water until the flesh has putrefied, and then either pick or wash it off. This, though very disgusting, is the method usually adopted. Much work may be avoided by gently boiling some of the bones in several changes of water until the flesh can lie removed whilst hot with blunt pieces of wood. If the bones are boiled, allowed to soak in cold water for some days, and then exposed to sun and air, most of the grease will have disappeared and the bones will have become bleached. Dry soap, washing powders, or soda will greatly assist. Chloride of lime made into a weak solution with water is commonly used for bleaching bones. Do not exceed 1 oz. of chloride to 1 pt. of water, as if too strong the solution spoils the bones. Or cover the bones with equal quantities of peroxide of hydrogen and dilute ammonia in an earthenware vessel. Finally wash in clean water. Expose to sun and air to dry.

To bleach naturally, wet the bones and expose to sun and air, repeating as often as necessary-During both the maceration and the boiling the connections or ligaments will give way, so that it may be advisable to tie or bind the bones with wires (copper preferred) before beginning the work. After the bones are cleaned they must be permanently joined by brass or copper wires of sizes to suit the bones, holes being drilled for the purpose.