The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1886-03-27
MOUNTING JUMBO's SKELETON.

- W "A>'5 VI AhOSuCoVCls lOl.
Ward and three assistants have been con-
stantly and unremittingly struggling
with the big problem ever since that
time, and lately afforded the representa-
tives of the New York press an oppor-
tunity of privately inspecting the results
of that labor, and greatly surprised his
visitors by wonderful and remarkable
reproduction of the famous beast pre-
clsely as he last appeared in New York.
The preparation of the skin and the
moulding in solid oak of great Jumbos
proportions was a most formidable un-
dertaking, and its final accomplishment
was looked forward to with considerable
anxiety by those most interested, and
with lively interest by scientists. As
completed by Prof. Ward every curve
line, and popularity of the huge body
has been faithfully and correctly pre-
served even to the smallest details, and
the articulation of his immense skeleton,
with each bone in proper place in his
ponderous anatomy, has been completed
IN the most artistic and satisfactory
manner. Indeed, it would be difficult
for any one looking at the fac si.n;ls
from distance of fifty feet to discover
that it was not actually alive. The
manner III which this result was obtained
is exceedingly interesting.
Jumbo's skin was first cut in halves
by splitting it lengthwise. 1t was then
subjected to bath, in which the chief
Ingredients were corrosive sublimate,
arsenic and alum, then stretched upon
the bare floor and allowed to dry; and it
may be said here that in the process of
drying it curled up somewhat, actually
bringing the floor with it. A solid oak
figure of the exact proportions and out
lines OF the dead animal was then con-
structed, heavily braced with iron
through the centre of the body and down
each side of its legs, and these latter
were riveted ard bolted into a solid oak
platform. The further final contour of
the body was secured by covering this
big frame with wooden coating two
inches thick, and all built up, cut, CHS
elled to the exact form desired in every
part. Over this was stretched the big
skin, which, after being cleansed of the
fat adhering to it, and treated in the
manner described, weighed / ,53S pounds
and fitted and fastened, to prevent shrink
ing, with the enormous number of "A, 4S0
small nails, or about 2GG nails to the
square foot.
SO perfect is the resemblance OF this
eftigy to Jumbo when alive, even to the
very color of the eyes, the nails on the
toes, the contour of the back, and other
peculiarities, that not only can it be said
to be complete facsimile, but it is one
apt to deceive many who may see it.
AS it now appears the measurements
are: II feet high, IA feet long, IS feet in
circumference, feet 10 inches across the
ear, feet inches circumference of foot,
and IS inches around the tusk. The
forearm bone weighed 60 pounds. The
cavity occupied by the brain held nearly
seven quarts, and Prof Ward said that
Jumbo, when alive, was the largest ter
restrial animal, and the skeleton now
was the biggest known to naturalists.
The reproduction weighs over three tons,
and to get it without the building in
which it is at present confined the en-
tire side of the premises will have to be
demolished.
To properly transport the huge object.
p. T. Barnum e Co. have had a new
wagon invented, containing some intri,
cate machinery, by means of which the
body of the wagon, with the etfigy upon
it, may be raised or lowered at will. 1t
is % feet long, 9 feet wide, and weights
$500 pounds. A railroad car so feet
long, extending to within inches of the
track, has been constructed, and when
necessary to travel this wagon will be
drawn by horses to the car, lowered as
above described, run right into the car,
and the doors of the latter closed when
it is ready fol- moving. In exhibiting.
the same means will be employed to
transport it to the show grounds.
In Madison Square Garden on March
90 next, when the Barnum and London
show opens, Jumbo will be drawn around
the hippodrome track, the old saddle
placed upon his back, and children be
permitted to delight themselves by rid
ing on it as they formerly did when the
beast was alive. Alice, the widow, will
be introduced to the prepared skin of her
deceased spouse, when it will be curious
to note her demeanor.
After the exhibition at Prof Wards
| establishment the visitors were RECALLED
with repast, at which one of the dishes
was a jelly made from portion Of
Jumbo's tusks, ivory dust, the Professor
said, as scientific fact, being one of the
| best articles from which to make jelly,
as it was both nutritious and palatable.
Upon leaving, each guest was presented
with a small souvenir in the shape of a
piece of Jumbo's tusk. p. T. Barnum
| proposes to forward to Queen Victoria a
| portion of the tusks, elegantly framed
| and engraved, as a present from the
greatest Snowman to the greatest Queen.
Pay of Government Oficials.
The best paid officers of the govern