38 



ORTHOPTERA OP NORTHEASTERN AMERICA. 



imens this can often be prevented by slitting the abdomen along 

 the middle or sides of under surface with a pair of sharp pointed 

 scissors and removing the intestines and other internal organs 

 with a pair of forceps. Then wipe out the cavity with a small 

 piece of cotton and stuff with loose raw cotton or very small 

 pieces of cheese-cloth, taking care not to fill too full and distend 

 the abdomen beyond its original size. Press the sides of the ab- 



Fig. 22. Showing method" of slitting abdomen of large Orthopteron. (After 

 Bruner.) 



domen gently into shape and mount on a pin or pack for ship- 

 ment. Specimens so stuffed do not become soft and turn dark, 

 but retain their original color and are less apt to be attacked by 

 museum pests or mold. 



LABELLING SPECIMENS. With each layer of specimens in a box 

 place a label giving the date and place of capture and an acces- 

 sion number referring to a similar number in a note book giving 

 any special data regarding the occurrence, song, food plant or 

 other information concerning the specimens which may be of 

 value in the future. When mounted each pin should bear below 

 the insect a locality and date label and also an accession number 

 referring to note book data. Without such labels a specimen is 

 of little scientific value. Personally I would at any time rather 

 have a label without a specimen than a specimen without a label. 



Dried specimens can be relaxed sufficiently for mounting by 

 placing between thoroughly moistened layers of blotting paper in 

 a tightly closed box or other receptacle for 10 or 15 hours. If the 

 weather is very warm a drop or two of carbolic acid or alcohol 

 had best be sprinkled over the blotting paper. The mold on speci- 

 mens can be removed by using a camel's hair brush and alcohol to 

 which a few drops of carbolic acid have been added. 



