212 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 



sold by the dealers arc too slight, and frequently carelessly 

 made at the joints, although nicely finished and good looking. 

 It is unwise to have postal boxes made too large; better to 

 send two boxes, than risk the whole number of insects sent 

 by placing them in one large box. Postal boxes should not 

 exceed three inches by two and a half inches, the top and 

 bottom being each three-quarters of an inch deep ; all inside 

 measurements. Of course have smaller sizes. They should be 

 made as follows : — For all sizes, up to that above suggested, 

 the sides of the box should be of quarter-inch deal; the ends 

 the same, or even one-eighth thicker; let in the ends by 

 half-cutting the sides to contain them ; secure with wire nails 

 and glue. The top and bottom to be of half to three- 

 quarters inch cork, rough on the outside ; this should be 

 secured with glue and light sprigs. When dry the edges are 

 to be filed down to a slight square bevel. The hinge may be 

 of canvas or, better still, of American cloth, with the smooth 

 side out, glued over one side of the closed box. Lastly, have 

 a strong pair of pegs (strong pin points will do) to act as 

 catches on the front edges of the box. When completely dry 

 this box will be found strong enough to bear the weight of a 

 man standing on it. It is a mistake to save weight of box or 

 of surrounding packing, for postage is cheap enough now. 

 Place the insects to be sent away securely in the box ; 

 a little — not too much — cotton-wool under each body, — loo 

 much is apt to prize up and off the body; then lay over the 

 body a little more cotton-wool, and cross pin over that. It 

 will be found by practice that then the insects are never 

 rubbed. When completed, before sending away, place a 

 piece of paper between the top and bottom of box ; this will 

 be secured by the pegs when the box is closed. In case a 

 body should come loose, this will prevent it injuring all the 

 insects in the box. Having done this, tie the box tightly 

 round with thin string, so as to support it; surround the box 

 with a liberal supply of cotton-wool, wrapping all with black 

 calico; tie on a stamped and addressed loose label, and fear 

 nothing for the safely of the contents. In this manner we 

 know an instance of upwards of four thousand specimens of 

 Lepidoptera (perfect insects) having been sent away in three 

 months in boxes under that size, and not a single breakage 

 occurred. We believe the postal officials are, as a rule, much 

 more sinned against than sinning. In sending larvae by post 



