THE CABINET— ARRANGEMENT OF SPECIMENS 135 



therewith off snaps a wing of one of your clioicest insects. When 

 glass is used, however, see that the specimens are exchided from 

 Ught, or the colours will soon lose their natural brilliancy. 



Anyone Avho has a set of carpenter's tools and the ability to use 

 them well will be able to construct for himself either a set of store 

 boxes or a cabinet of many drawers in which to keep his natural 

 treasures. In this case a few considerations are necessary before 

 deciding on the form which the storehouse is to take. 



A cabinet, if nicel}' made, forms a very sightly article of furni- 

 ture ; and, if space can be found for it, is the best and most con- 

 venient receptacle. One of about twelve to twenty drawers will be 

 quite sufticient for a time ; and the few following hints and sugges- 

 tions may be useful. 



The wood used should be well seasoned, and free from resin. 

 The drawers should fit well, and slide without the least danger of 

 shaking. Each one should be lined with sheet cork, about one- 

 eighth of an inch thick, glued to the bottom, nicely levelled with 

 sand paper, and then covered with thin, pm-e white paper, laid on 

 with thin paste. It is also advisable to cover each with glass, 

 inclosed in a light wood frame that fits so closely as to prevent, the 

 intrusion of mites. 



The drawers may be arranged in a single vertical tier if the 

 cabinet is to stand on the floor, or in tw'o tiers if it is to be shorter 

 for placing on the top of another piece of fiu'niture ; and glass doors, 

 fastened by a lock and key, may be made to cover the front if such 

 are desired as a matter of fancy, or as a precaution against the 

 meddlesome habits of juvenile fingers. 



Store boxes are sometimes chosen in preference to cabinets 

 because they are more portable, and because they can be arranged 

 on shelves — an important consideration when floor space is not 

 available. 



These boxes should be cork-lined and glazed like the cabinet 

 drawers ; and if they are made in two equal portions, hned with 

 cork on both sides, and closing up like a book, they may be arranged 

 on shelves like books, in which position they will collect but little 

 dust. 



Both store boxes and cabinets are always kept in stock by the 

 dealers, the former ranging from a few shillings each, and the latter 

 from fifteen shiUings to a guinea per drawer. Knowing this, you 

 can decide for yom-self between the two alternatives — making and 

 purchasing. 



