2376 



Journal of Applied Microscopy 



" stuffing " orthopterous insects may therefore be of much value to those who 

 contemplate making collections of and studying these insects : Instead of throw- 

 ing the specimens in spirits (alcohol, brandy, whisky, etc.) when captured, they 

 should be killed in the "cyanide " bottle (Fig. 1)^ from which they should be 

 removed soon after death, and at once opened, cleansed and stuffed ; or 

 they can be transferred to a small tin or other box where they may 

 be kept flexible till arrived at home or in camp. Now take the specimens, 

 one at a time, in the left hand, as shown in Fig. 2, and 

 with a fine, sharp-pointed scissors open the abdomen by 

 cutting across the middle of the two basal segments on 

 the lower side, then reverse and cut the opening a trifle 

 larger by nearly severing the third segment. After this 

 has been done, extract all of the insides (intestines, crop, 

 ovaries, etc.), along with the juices, using a fine pointed 

 forceps for the purpose, wipe out the inside of the insect 

 with a small wad of cotton, and it is ready to be " stuffed," 

 or filled up. When this latter is done, the insect may be 

 either pinned into a box prepared for the purpose at 

 once, or it can be wrapped in paper and packed away for 

 future use. To "stuff," cut some cotton bat (raw cotton) 

 in short pieces and fill up the insect through the opening 

 previously made for cleaning it, using the same or a 

 similar pair of forceps for the purpose, taking care not to 

 fill too full nor to stretch the abdomen beyond its original 

 dimensions. When the filling is completed carefully draw 

 the edges of the severed segments together and gently 

 press the sides of abdomen into shape with the fingers. 

 This can all be done, after a little practice, in about four 

 or five minutes' time. The advantages in favor of a 

 specimen thus handled are several. It will not decay nor turn dark, the original 

 colors will be retained more nearly perfect, and there is but little danger under 

 ordinarily careful treatment of its being attacked in future by the museum pests 

 mentioned. Specimens when thus prepared by an expert and properly labeled 

 are easily worth three or four times as much for cabinet specimens as those not 

 so cared for. Especially is this true with reference to specimens collected in 

 warm, moist climates, where decay is rapid, and where mould is sure to attack 

 specimens that are long in drying. 



Wrapping for Storage or Transportation. — It is equally important to 

 wrap properly and carefully each specimen in such a manner as to protect all its 



' The cyanide bottie is made by selecting a suitable wide-mouthed bottle and placing in it 

 a good sized lump of /('/"(M-.r/ww n'rt;//(/t', say about one-half ounce, more or less, according to 

 size of the bottle used. Now mix sufficient good plaster of Paris with water and pour over the 

 lump of potassium cyanide, so as to cover it at least three-fourths of an inch. Allow to stand 

 and harden, then cover with one or two pieces of blotting paper. Close the bottle with a good 

 cork, and your bottle is ready for use. When moisture gathers inside, wipe out and renew the 

 blotters. Be careful not to inhale the fumes of the cyanide, for they are poisonous. In place 

 of the plaster the cyanide may be covered with crumpled paper and held in place by a tight- 

 fitting card-board that has been previously punctured with a pin to let through the poison fumes. 



Fig. 1. — Cyanide 

 Bottle. 



