TEKMITID.E. 55 



boards, lu most species the colors change after death, hence 

 it is important to make short descriptions of the colors before 

 killing the specimens." The smaller, more slender and deli- 

 cate Neuroptera should be pinned directly in the collecting 

 box. Many species are caught by a light in the night time, 

 such as Polystoechotes nebulosus and the Phryya neidce; 

 and a bright light placed in damp situations by streams, etc., 

 will attract large numbers, the smaller species, like moths, be- 

 ing attracted a great distance by light. For the proper study 

 of the genera of these insects, and often of the species, they 

 should be collected in alcohol, so as to be studied in a flexible 

 state. Dr. J. L. Leconte has published in the "American 

 Naturalist," iii, p. 307, some new directions for the preserva- 

 tion of insects which will apply to these as well as other 

 insects. "Surgical art has given to us an instrument by which 

 a poisonous liquid can be rapidly and most effectively applied 

 to the entire surface of large numbers of specimens as they 

 stand in the cabinet boxes, without the trouble of moving 

 them. I refer to the ' Atomizer.' 



"Opinions may vary as to the nature of the liquid poison to 

 be used, but after several trials I have found the following 

 formula to be quite satisfactory ; it produces no efflorescence, 

 even on the most highly polished species, while the odor is 

 quite strong, and persistent enough to destroy any larvae or 

 eggs that may be already in the box: Saturated alcoholic 

 solution of arsenious acid, eight fluid ounces ; Strychnine, 

 twelve grains ; Crystallized carbolic acid, one drachm ; Mineral 

 naphtha (or heavy benzine) and strong alcohol, enough to 

 make one quart. I have not stated the quantity of naphtha, 

 since there are some varieties of light petroleum in commerce 

 which dissolve in alcohol only to a slight extent. These should 

 not l)e used. The heavier oils which mix indefinitely with alco- 

 hol are the proper ones, and for the two pints of mixture ten 

 to twelve fluid ounces of the naphtha will be sufficient. Care 

 should be taken to test the naphtha on a piece of paper. If it 

 leaves a greasy stain which does not disappear after a few 

 hours it is not suitable for this purpose. 



"The best form of atomizer is the long, plated, reversible 

 tube ; it should be worked with a gum elastic pipe, having two 



