very lightly and mark the places on the 

 top of the glass where the labels are to be 

 located. Now remove the cover and ce- 

 ment labels on the under side of the glass 

 cover, using just a trace of cement. This 

 will hold the labels in place when the glass 

 cover is placed over them. If the labels 

 are laid on the top layer of the cotton 

 they are almost sure to become disar- 

 ranged when the glass cover is put on. 

 Nothing so detracts from the appearance 

 as labels which are out of alignment. 



Fumigant may be placed in a small en- 

 velope and this should then be put on the 

 bottom of the mount beneath the layers 

 of cotton. 



Now close the mount and insert the pins 

 which hold the cover in place. A strip of 

 transparent scotch tape may then be run 

 around the bottom to close the space be- 

 tween the cover and the shell of the case. 

 This closes the case and prevents the en- 

 trance of insect pests. If it comes loose a 

 new strip can be applied. 



How to Inflate Lanxic. The larvae of 

 butterflies and moths may be inflated and 

 dried and when properly done, very at- 

 tractive and realistic preparations result. 

 The only equipment needed is an inexpen- 

 sive inflating outfit, an oven and a source 

 of heat. Complete outfits may be pur- 

 chased. Instead of purchasing an oven, a 

 tin can may be used. Place a couple of 

 inches of sand in the bottom of the can 

 and heat this over a gas burner or electric 

 grill. Notch the top of the can and hold 

 the specimen where it will be exposed to 

 the warm air coming from the sand. 



Proceed as follows to inflate larvae: 



1. The larva is placed on a blotter or paper 

 towelling and a slit is made around the anal 

 opening to free the rear end of the alimentary 

 canal from the body. (See Fig. 36a.) 



2. The larva is then flattened by a round pen- 

 cil or glass rod gently rolled from the head to- 

 ward the rear. If this is carefully done prac- 

 tically all the contents may be squeezed out with- 

 out breaking the skin. (Fig. 36b.) 



3. A glass canula is inserted in the anal open- 

 ing and the spring clip fastened to hold the larva 

 in place. (See Fig. 36c.) 



4. Air is forced into the larva and any neces- 

 sary minor adjustments made. (See Fig. 36d.) 

 The larva is then placed in the heat and air is 

 maintained in the body by means of the double 

 bulb. (See Fig. 36d.) Care must be taken so that 

 no more pressure is applied than is necessary to 

 distend the skin to its natural proportions. 

 While this is being done the canula should be 

 tinned so as to dry the specimen on all sides. 

 As soon as the larva holds its natural position 

 upon release of pressure it is ready to be re- 

 moved from the canula. To test whether the 

 drying is done, press gently on the head— if the 

 "neck" bends, heat it until it remains rigid. 



5. A piece of balsa or other soft wood is in- 

 serted in the anal opening. (See Fig. 36e.) Shel- 

 lac or other adhesive should be applied to the 

 plug to hold the specimen firmly in place. 



6. An insect pin is thrust thru the balsa block 

 and the larva placed in the collection. (See Fig. 

 36f.) 



Fleshy larvae of many of the other or- 

 ders of insects can be so treated, however, 

 best results are obtained with the Lepidop- 

 tera (butterflies and moths). 



Special Collecting Methods 



Sifting and Separating. Many small, in- 

 conspicuous insects occur in masses of 

 trash or leaf mould, and a sifter net is a 

 handy device for collecting these forms. 



Fig. 36. Procedure followed in inflation of lepidopterous larvae. 



