INJURIOUS AND BENEFICIAL INSECTS OP CALIFORNIA. 



490 



cut another piece large enough to form a lining inside the can reaching 

 from the pieces holding the cyanide to the top. When the lid is on, 



Fig. 496. — Pinned inserts. Butterflies and a moth, 

 pinned through the mesothorajt. The wings are also 

 properly spread. (Original) 



this lining will hold the cyanide in the bottom of the can and is also 

 an excellent absorbing surface for any excess moisture. All cyanide 

 killing receptacles should be plainly marked poisonous. 



MOUNTING 



There are many ways of mounting insects so as to show them to the 

 best advantage, to preserve them longest and most perfectly and 1" 

 admit of their being studied. The most common methods are pinning 

 them directly in suitable cases or boxes, placing them in glass plaques, 



tubes and vials, in mounting media like glycerh r balsam on glass 



slides and in alcohol or formaldehyde in bottles and specimen jars. 

 All mounting work should be done as soon after the insects are killed 

 as possible in order to avoid breaking the appendages which become 

 very stiff and brittle upon drying. However, if they arc allowed to 

 become dry they may be perfectly relaxed in a moisl chamber and 



