Linnaan Society. 423 



curing mammals and birds, especially such species as are wild and 

 shy in their habits. 



Another suggestion which seems likely to be of value to the prac- 

 tical zoologist, is that of a solution of arsenic, which Dr. Kaup states 

 to be effectual in preserving mammals and birds from the attacks of 

 every kind of insect. This preparation is made by dissolving in al- 

 cohol, of the specific gravity 0*86, as much white arsenic (arsenious 

 acid) as it will take up. The fur of mammals and the plumage of 

 birds (whether mounted or in skins) is to be thoroughly soaked with 

 this solution and then dried. To prevent the plumage from being 

 disarranged by this operation, Dr. Kaup recommends that the speci- 

 men should be wrapped in linen cloths, and then wetted with the 

 solution. We are inclined however to think that the mixture might 

 be more easily applied by a flat camel's-hair varnishing brush, the 

 softness of which could do no injury to the specimen. Dr. Kaup 

 assures us that when every part of a specimen has been effectually 

 wetted with this solution, it is guaranteed for ever from the ravages 

 of insects, and that no further precaution against them is necessary. 

 Mr. Waterton some years ago recommended a similar solution of 

 corrosive sublimate in spirit of wine, but we have not found this pre- 

 paration to be in all cases efficacious, and we are disposed to think 

 that the arsenical solution proposed by Dr. Kaup is far more potent. 



Our author further recommends a method of preparing specimens 

 of birds, which would be very advantageous in certain cases. The 

 only parts to be removed are the pectoral and crural muscles, the 

 intestines and the eyes ; the whole interior is then to be well- sprinkled 

 with powdered alum and arsenic, and the cavities filled with cotton. 

 When dry, the plumage is to be saturated with the arsenical solution 

 above-mentioned and again thoroughly dried. This method, though 

 somewhat rude, has the advantage of being easily performed by un- 

 skilful persons, as well as by the practised naturalist when the saving 

 of time is an object ; it retains the proportions and true position of the 

 neck, wings and legs far better than the ordinary mode of preparing 

 skins, and what is of the utmost importance to science, it supphes 

 us with perfect skeletons of rare foreign species, which may be easily 

 separated from their integuments if necessary, and placed in the 

 osteological cabinet. We should rejoice therefore to see this method 

 introduced as an adjunct to the usual process of preparing ornitho- 

 logical specimens. 



PROCEEDINGS OF LEARNED SOCIETIES. 



LINN^AN SOCIETY. 



February 4, 1845. — R. Brown, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. 



Read the commencement of a paper " On the Nervures of the 

 Wings in Lepidopterous Insects ; and on the genus Argynnis of the 

 * Encyclopedic Methodique.' " By Edward Doubleday, Esq., F.L.S. 

 &c. &c. 



