The Capture, Preparation, and Preservation of Specimens 



4 



and Zoological Collecting," from the pen of the writer, and I here- 

 with reproduce it: 



"The simplest method of inflating the skins of larvae after the 

 contents have been withdrawn is to insert a straw or grass stem 

 of appropriate thickness into the opening through which the 

 contents have been removed, and then by the breath to inflate the 

 specimen, while holding over the chimney of an Argand lamp, 



Fig. 6 i.— Apparatus for inflating larvae: B, foot-bellows; K, rubber tube; 

 C, flask; D, anhydrous sulphuric acid; E, overflow-flask; F, rubber tube 

 from flask ; G, standard with cock to regulate flow of air ; H, glass tube 

 with larva upon it ; /, copper drying-plate ; J, spirit-lamp. 



the flame of which must be regulated so as not to scorch or 

 singe it. Care must be taken in the act of inflating not to unduly 

 distend the larval skin, thus producing a distortion, and also to dry 

 it thoroughly. Unless the latter precaution is observed a subse- 

 quent shrinking and disfigurement will take place. The process 

 of inflating in the manner just described is somewhat laborious, 

 and while some of the finest specimens which the writer has ever 

 seen were prepared in this primitive manner, various expedients 



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