"What is the difference between a taxidermist and a tax collector? The taxidermist takes only your skin"

Mark Twain's quote is an amusing comparison in between a taxidermist and a tax collector. A taxidermist is somebody who packs and mounts animals for display screen, while a tax collector is someone who collects taxes from citizens. The joke is that the taxidermist only takes the skin of the animal, while the tax collector takes cash from people. This comparison is indicated to show the distinction in between the two occupations, and to downplay the reality that the tax collector takes money from citizens. The quote likewise indicates that the taxidermist is less invasive than the tax collector, as they only take the skin of the animal and not the entire animal. This funny contrast is a creative way of highlighting the distinctions between the two professions.