26 



the concentrated solution may then be added. After soaking thus 

 for some days, the specimens may be transferred to fresh concen- 

 trated solution. When the aluminous fluid is used to preserve 

 vertebrate animals, these should not remain in it for more than a 

 few days ; after this, they are to be soaked in fresh water, and 

 transferred to the saline solution. An immersion of some weeks 

 in the aluminous fluid will cause a destruction of the bones. 

 Specimens must be kept submerged in these fluids. The success 

 of the operation will depend very much upon the use of a weak 

 solution in the first instance, and a change to the saturated fluid 

 by one or two intermediate steps. 



The collector should have a small keg, jar, tin box, or other 

 suitable vessel, partially filled with liquor, into which specimens 

 may be thrown (alive if possible) as collected. The entrance of 

 the spirit into the cavities of the body should be facilitated by 

 opening the mouth, making a small incision in the abdomen a 

 half or one inch long, or by injecting the liquor into the intestines 

 through the anus, by means of a small syringe. After the animal 

 has soaked for some weeks in this liquor, it should be transferred 

 to fresh. Care should be taken not to crowd the specimens too 

 much. When it is impossible to transfer specimens to fresh spirits 

 from time to time, the strongest alcohol should be originally used. 

 To pack the larger specimens for transportation, procure a small 

 keg, which has been properly swelled, by allowing water to stand 

 in it for a day or two, and from this extract the head by knocking 

 off the upper hoops. Great care must be taken to make such 

 marks on the hoops and head as will assist in their being replaced 

 in precisely the same relative position to each other and the keg 

 that they originally held. At the bottom of the keg place a layer 

 of tow or rags, moistened in liquor, then one of specimens, then 

 another of tow and another of specimens, and so on alternately 

 until the keg is entirely filled, exclusive of the spirit. Replace the 

 head, drive down the hoops, and fill completely with spirits l)y 

 pouring through the bung-hole. Allow it to stand at least half an 

 hour, and then, supplying the deficiency of the liquor, insert the 

 bung and fasten it securely. An oyster-can or other tin vessel 

 may be used to great advantage, in which case the aperture should 

 be soldered up and the vessel inclosed in a box. A glass jar or 

 bottle may also be employed, but there is always a risk of breaking 

 and leaking. The specimens may also be transported in the copper 



