13 



above, to carry more readily and securely skins of birds, small 

 mammals, eggs, etc. 



2. Two COPPER KETTLES in one of the panniers or chests, to 

 contain the alcohol for such specimens as require this mode of 

 preservation, viz : Reptiles, fishes, sometimes birds, small quadru- 

 peds, most insects, crabs, and all- soft invertebrates. 



3. Half a dozen or more tin preserving cans, of different 

 sizes, from pint to gallon. These may replace the copper cans, 

 though they are not so durable. Many of the ordinary stores of 

 the expedition may be cai^ied in these cans, which, when emptied, 

 can then be used for preserving specimens. 



4. An iron "vvrench to loosen the screw-caps of the copper ket- 

 tles when too tight to be managed by hand. 



5. Two India-rubber bags, one for each kettle. These are in- 

 tended to be inflated inside of the kettles, and by displacing the 

 alcohol cause it to rise to the edge of the brass cap, and thus fill 

 the kettle. Unless this is done, and any unoccupied space thus 

 filled up, the specimens will be washed against the sides of the 

 vessel, and much injured. 



6. Small bags made of lino, musquito-netting, or cotton, of 

 different sizes, and open at one end. These are intended, in the 

 first place, to separate the specimens of different localities from 

 each other ; and, in the second place, to secure them from mutua^ 

 friction or other injury. These bags may be respectively T X 3 

 inches, 11 x 5, and 15 x 7: of the latter size one-third as many 

 as of each of the others will be sufficient : about 100 may be taken 

 in all. The number or name corresponding to the locality is to 

 be marked on the outside with red chalk, or written with ink on a 

 slip of parchment, and dropped inside. The specimens are then to 

 be placed in the bag, a string tied round the open end, or the end 

 pinned up, and the bag thrown into alcohol. A piece of parchment 

 may also be pinned on the outside, so as at the same time to close 

 the mouth of the bag by folding over once or twice. The ink of 

 the parchment must be dry before the slip is moistened in any way. 



N. B. All mammals, and fishes and reptiles over five or six 

 inches in length should have a small incision made in the abdomen, 

 to facilitate the introduction of the alcohol. Larger snakes and 

 small quadrupeds, too large to preserve entire, may be skinned, and 

 the skins placed in alcohol. The skin covering the belly in the 

 mammals should always be loosened from its adhesion to the walls 

 of the abdomen, to prevent the hair from coming out. 



