Killing and Setting, &c. 27 



of the process which is generally adopted. Procure a 

 niarmalade-pot or earthenware jar, into which put three 

 inches of sand ; pour on the sand enough water to wet 

 it thoroughly, without allowing the water to appear on 

 the surface. It is as well to put a small quantity of 

 carbolic acid with it. The insects to be relaxed should 

 be pinned on to a thick piece of cork, the cork resting 

 on the top of the sand. Close the mouth of the jar 

 with a piece of glass, or something which will make it 

 air-tight. A few hours is often enough to relax speci- 

 mens, but if left longer they must be carefully watched, 

 as they very soon become mouldy. To keep the insects 

 free from mites, napthaline must be freely used in the 

 store-boxes and cases. Camphor is used by some 

 persons, but napthaline is a far more efficacious preven- 

 tive of the ravages of parasites. 



In packing specimens already set for England, store- 

 boxes will hold a great number if the specimens are 

 judiciously placed one over the other in a slopiug 

 manner, great care being taken that they do not touch 

 each other, as the slightest rubbing spoils the plumage. 



Don Eamon Gomez, chemist, of Puerto Orotava, 



