168 How To Make Fish Mounts 



If the specimens are to be stored permanently in Formalin 

 and not alcohol, household borax should be added; it retards 

 shrinkage, hardening of soft parts, and softening of bony ma- 

 terial. To 1 quart of preserving solution add 1 level teaspoon- 

 ful of borax. Also, if the specimens are to be displayed perma- 

 nently in Formalin, it is a good idea ( after a couple of weeks ) 

 to change the specimen into a new, clean solution of more dilute 

 Formalin ( about fifteen to one ) to which household borax has 

 been added. 



Camp counselors, school teachers, scoutmasters, etc., who 

 may desire to demonstrate the anatomy of Formalin-preserved 

 fishes to their groups so that the fishes can be handled, should 

 eliminate the objectionable fumes of Formalin in the follow- 

 ing manner. The local druggist or the high-school chemistry 

 teacher can supplv 1,260 grams of NaHSOs (sodium bisulfite) 

 and 840 grams of Na2SOs (sodium sulfite). (There are 454 

 grams in a pound. ) These salts are dissolved in tap water. 

 Then enough water is added to make 5 gallons of solution. The 

 Formalin specimens are rinsed in water before being immersed 

 for a few minutes in this solution. Many specimens can be 

 treated successfully in this bath before a new mixture is re- 

 quired. Do not allow the specimen to dry out in the course of 

 demonstration. When it has served its purpose, it should be 

 returned to the Formalin for storage. 



Preserving in the Field 



For the best results specimens should be dunked into the 

 Formalin as soon as possible. Small specimens— up to the size 

 of a 10-inch trout— should be placed in the can or jar of Formalin 

 alive, as soon as collected. The fishes do not suffer; they are 

 killed quickly, but they take in the preservative and extend 

 their fins— all of which makes a better display specimen. Care 

 should be used when placing the wiggling fish into the preserva- 

 tive receptacle. When the fish feels the initial sting of the 

 Formalin, it will thrash around; and drops of Formalin may 

 accidentally splash into the collector's eyes. If this happens, 



