[3] PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 579 



When collections are to be sent away they may be carefully pinned in 

 a storing box, each specimen with its own special number on the pin re- 

 ferring to a corresponding number on the label, where all information as 

 to date of capture, locality, etc., is noted, to be sent with the box, and 

 the whole packed in a larger box with an inch of space at least all around, 

 and this space filled in loosely with cotton, soft grass, excelsior, or other 

 soft material to take the jar in transit, and to prevent the insects from 

 breakage. 



Small lots may be safely and cheaply sent by mail, if packed in the 

 following manner : Take a pasteboard box of suitable size, and sew cork 

 carefully and firmly to the bottom, then pin the insects into this box 

 with only numbers on the labels — no writing; pack this in a larger 

 wooden box of sufficient strength that it cannot be crushed in the mails; 

 pack cotton loosely in the outer box, all around the inner one, and 

 wrap the whole in paper, and tie up with strong twine, and direct to go 

 by mail. 



