234 MISCELLAl*fEA. 



may remark fhat as regards fislies, tliougli at the present moment 

 the fresh- water species of the inner waters and mountain-streams 

 of extra- European countries are the most important desiderata ; yet, 

 those from the low lands and marine fishes are also very valuable. 



Directions for Collecting and Preserving Fishes and B,eptiles. 



1. Collect fishes of every size. The eel-like fishes ought not to 

 exceed thirty-six inches in length ; the broad kinds not eighteen. 

 Six specimens of each species will be quite sufficient. 



2. Tie to each specimen a label of parchment or of tin foil, on 

 which the name of the exact locality where the specimen is procured, 

 is written, or a number referring to a list of localities. 



3. Cut a small slit in the belly of the specimens, so as to admit the 

 spii'it, but do not remove the intestines. 



4. Put the specimens into a large jar or tub containing spirit to 

 extract the water, mucus, etc. This spirit may be used for any 

 number of specimens as long as it is strong enough to preserve them 

 from earlij putrefaction. Leave the specimens in this spiint for 

 from 8 to 10 days. 



5. Transfer the specimens into other spirit, stronger than the 

 former, and leave them there for another fortnight. 



6. Pack, finally, the specimens in spirit which is strong enough 

 to be inflammable with a lighted match. In spirit, like this, the 

 specimens may be shipped, and will keep for 6 or 8 months. Eum 

 of the strength indicated, answers very well for this purpose. 



7. The best way of sending specimens is in a square tin box fitted 

 into a wooden case. "Wrap each specimen in a piece of linen to pre- 

 vent the rubbing off of the scales and other injuries. Pack the speci- 

 mens as close as herrings, and do not leave any free space at the top 

 or on the sides of the box. Fill the box with spirit, taking care to 

 drive out the air which may remain between the specimens, and 

 close it hermetically by soldering do-wn the cover. The best Avay 

 of closing the box is to make a small round hole in the cover of the 

 box. First fix dov\ n the cover of the box, then pour spirit through the 

 small hole, until the box is quite full. This hole may then be easily 

 closed by another small square lid of tin. 



8. Tiu-n the box upside down and see whether it keeps in the 

 spirit perfectly. 



9. E jptiles of every description may be preserved in the same way. 

 However, as they naturally contain less fluid, it will be sufficient, to 

 change the spirits once. 



10. It frequently happens in very hot climates, that tlie specimens 

 begin to decompose even in very sti'ong spii'its ; in such cases, it will 

 be better to add arsenic or corrosive sublimate to the spirit. This 

 ought to be mentioned to the party who receives or opens the box. 



11. It may be advisable to prevent sailors, servants, etc' from 

 tasting the spirits. This may be done by adding some nauseous 

 substance to the mixture. 



P. L. S. 



