MOUNTING INSECTS, 303 



time; for how long I do not know as yet, but possibly for 

 an indefinite time, if not exposed to the sunlight." 



"With this method of preserving transparent aquatic 

 larvse can be combined the staining of them at the same 

 time. For this purpose aniline-blue or fuchsiue should be 

 used, which are soluble in water One part of the color, 

 dissolved in 200 parts of distilled water, is mixed with 800 

 parts of the rectified pyroligneous acid. The modit* 

 operandi is the same. In the course of several hours the 

 object has become uniformly stained, and can be sealed 

 after the addition of another drop of the acid. If stained 

 too dark, a current of the diluted acid will soon remedy 

 this fault." (Proc. Eut. Soc. Washington, i. 101.) 



Transmission, Preservation, and Mounting of Aphides and Similar 

 Insects. G. B. Buckton gives the results of his experience as to the 

 best mode of transmitting living Aphides, and also the best method 

 for killing and preserving similar insects for future examination. 



As to transmission, the chief thing to be guarded against is desic- 

 cation, and no plan seems to be so successful as their enclosure in 

 ordinary quills stopped by plugs of cork or pellets of beeswax. 

 The substance of the quill is sufficiently porous to prevent mildew 

 on the one hand and a rapid evaporation on the other. In this way 

 small insects may be sent through the post, and in a far better con- 

 dition than can be secured in any tin boxes, even though they be 

 filled with leaves. If a slip of some succulent leaf be rolled round 

 each quill, to retain moisture, a bundle will conveniently pass 

 through the post. 



For preservation (other than on a slide) the best plan is to drop the 

 insects into small flattened glass tubes partially filled with a suitable 

 liquid, then draw the tube to a fine point, break the end off, and 

 warm the empty space (or, better, expel the air by a pump), and the 

 tube can be entirely filled with liquid, and then sealed with the 

 blow-pipe. 



For mounting microscopically, five or a dozen spots of fluid Can- 

 ada balsam should be dotted on a slide from the head of a pin, and 

 by means of a hair-pencil as many living insects transferred to them. 

 " The specimens at once adhere, and if the spots are small the insects 

 spread out their limbs naturally, with a view to escape. They may 

 be fixed on their backs or otherwise, according to the views desired. 



" A very thin glass cover, or, if very high magnifying powers are 

 wanted, a small disk of clear mica, is laid over the insects, and then 



