Submitted by Jeff on 3/19/99. ( )
This might sound like a dumb question but here goes- When building a natural base for a mount is just plain dirt used to recreate earth? If not what could I use? If so do I just spread it over white glue and not seal it- I'm concerned with bugs n such. Thanks for any info!
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This response submitted by Jim A. on 3/19/99. ( )
Jeff,
Look in the Habitat & exhibit area, you will find different techniques on how to create dirt. Dried Coffee grounds are an
option, elmers glue, water and top soil makes a great muddy paste.
Good Luck
This response submitted by Bob C on 3/19/99. ( bobswildlife@webtv.net )
Jeff, Sure you can use real dirt. If your wife or girlfriend will let you , spread it out on a cookie sheet and bake in an oven at 180 degrees for 15 min or so and that will kill any critters living in it. You can also mix it with white glue to make a wet looking dirt. I dont think anything will be alive after the glue hardens. Bob c
This response submitted by John on 3/19/99. ( )
A word of caution....Asking first may not be enough! I told my wife beforehand that I was going to cook an oak branch to kill off all the insect eggs and she had no complaints-until she started to smell the odor coming out of the oven. Now, this odor was EXACTLY the same smell that every cabin with a wood burning stove has-burning wood. My wife likes that smell-but not from her oven! So I had to cut short the bake session. To top it all off, we spent the evening in the backyard around a campfire!
So be warned. The wrong odor from the oven may trigger a responce that you least expected!
Happy cooking,
John
This response submitted by Steve on 4/14/99. ( )
Dirt or peat moss works fine. I mix Elmers glue and hot water in a 50-50 solution and spritz it on with a cheap spray bottle. Doesn't look real wet when it dries; looks slightly damp. Make sure water is HOT or it won't six/spray well.
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