"Rapid Taxidermy" Advertisement (Gibbs 1896)

Collecting and preserving wild birds and their eggs was a popular hobby in the late 19th century, especially among gentlemen of means, and Morris Gibbs of Kalamazoo became a major supplier of goods and services to individuals pursuing the sport. This ad for his "process of Rapid Taxidermy" appeared in the Osprey (Galesburg, Ill.) in 1896:

Quick and Durable Taxidermy . . . 

In the year 1896 my advertisements have appeared in over twenty / papers and magazines, among which are the following well- / known: Natural Science News, Oologist, American / Field, American Angler, Nidologist, Amateur / Sportsman, Home, North American / Naturalist, etc., etc. /

My process has been in use for over a quarter century

My process of Rapid Taxidermy is more popular than ever and thousands of testimonials / testifying to the increasing favor with which it is received. As evidence of the merits of my / method, many were instructed in various parts of the Union to mount specimens and leave them / exposed to wind and weather throughout the past winter. Reports show that the specimens, / birds and mammals, stood the test without losing a feather or hair by moth or elements. 

Any one can learn my method fully, and a child can comprehend it at the first attempt. It / requires no tools excepting a knife, file and wire. The work will last for centuries, and is sure / to please. 

Send 75 Cents and receive in return complete Instructions for mounting birds, mammals, / heads, etc., etc., also a pound of prepared Compound, ready for use enough to prepare twenty to / fifty birds, together with Directions for dressing pelts with the hair on for rugs, robes and / hangings. Mention the OSPREY and send 75 Cents to 

MORRIS GIBBS, M. D.

KALAMAZOO, MICH.