34 PREPARING ORTHOPTERA. 



bottle, from which they should be removed soon after death, and 

 at once opened, cleaned, and stuffed ; or they can be transferred 

 to a small tin or other box, where they may be kept moist and 

 flexible till arrived at home or in camp. Now take the specimens 

 one at a time in the left hand, and with a fine, sharp-pointed scis- 

 sors open the abdomen by cutting across the middle of the two 

 basal segments on the lower side, then reverse and cut the opening 

 a trifle larger by nearly severing the third segment. After this has 

 been done extract all the insides (intestines, crop, ovaries, etc.) 

 along with the juices, using a fine pointed forceps for the purpose ; 

 wipe out the inside of the insect with a small wad of cotton, and 

 it is ready to be ' stuffed ' or filled up. When this latter is done 

 the insect may be either pinned into a box prepared for the pur- 

 pose at once, or it can be wrapped in paper and packed away for 

 future use. 



To " stuff"," cut some cotton bat (raw cotton) in short pieces, 

 and fill up the insect through the opening previously made for 

 cleaning it, using the same or a similar pair of forceps for the 

 purpose, taking care not to fill too full nor to stretch the abdomen 

 beyond its original dimensions. When the filling is completed 

 carefully draw the edges of the several segments together, and 

 gently press the sides of the abdomen into shape with the fingers. 

 This can all be done after a little practice in about four or five 

 minutes' time. The advantages in favour of a specimen thus 

 handled are several. It will not decay nor turn dark. The origi- 

 nal colours will be retained more nearly perfect, and there is but 

 little danger, under ordinarily careful treatment, of its being 

 attacked in future by the museum parts mentioned. Specimens, 

 when thus prepared by an expert and properly labelled, are worth 

 three or four times as much for cabinet specimens as those not so 

 cared for. Especially is this true with reference to specimens col- 

 lected in warm, moist climates where decay is rapid, and where 

 mould is sure to attack specimens that are long in drying. — - 

 American Naturalist. 



