n6 



NATURALISTS' ASSISTANT. 



should be soldered to the sides near the bottom to hold the 

 false bottom in position. This false bottom may be of cork, 

 wax, or other material which will hold a pin. It is best for 

 most purposes to have the bottom black, either by mixing 

 lampblack with the melted wax before it is run in, or by 

 painting the cork. Other larger and smaller tanks should 

 be provided for other work. The object to be dissected 

 should be pinned out upon the wax, and just enough water 



FIG. 36. 



to cover the specimen poured in ; a greater quantity interferes 

 with facility of work. When the water becomes discolored 

 or dirty, it should of course be changed. 



In case of the smaller animals, as grasshoppers, etc., it is 

 frequently difficult to pin the subject out, but the following 

 plan will answer well. With a hot wire melt a small groove 

 in the wax bottom and, while the wax is still in a molten 

 condition, place the object in it and, when cold, it will be 

 held firmly. Before doing this the specimen should have all 



