The Capture, Preparation, and Preservation of Specimens 
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contents have been withdrawn is to insert a straw or grass stem 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, 
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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