SOCIETIES. 67 



merged in the solution while you can count six ; then take it 

 out and shake it gently, and take off the superfluous drops at the 

 tips of the wings with blotting-paper. Then place the specimen 

 on a window-sill to dry, lifting the sash about an inch or so, 

 where a strong draught can be obtained ; this is necessary to keep 

 the scales from setting in a mass. Put the insect in a position so 

 that tlie wind can blow from the tail to the head. I find that 

 insects covered with long down are best treated by holding them 

 by the pin in the left hand, and then with a camel-hair brush dipped 

 in the solution touch the under side of the bodies and wings until 

 they become saturated with the poison. Insects treated in this 

 way are perfectly proof against all depredators. Mould will not 

 aftect them, neither will mites, nor the larvae of several beetles 

 and " clothes-moths," which at other times destroy so many 

 specimens, to the chagrin of the collector. It is better for 

 beginners preserving Lepidoptera to practise a little while on 

 very common species, so that they will not be afraid of spoiling 

 specimens of any value. — Thomas Hill; 15, Russell Street, 

 Willenhall, February 7, 1887. 



[Pure alcohol should be used instead of methylated spirits, 

 because the latter is prepared with a solution of gum, which 

 becomes deposited all over the insect, as well as the sublimate, 

 on the evaporation of the spirit being completed. The treatment 

 recommended by Mr. Hill is doubtless effective, but should be 

 used as little as possible, as it always more or less injures the 

 specimens. The use of naphthaline in the boxes or cabinet 

 drawers is far preferable to all other deterrents, for camphor is 

 by no means effective, and frequently causes dried insects to 

 become greasy. — J. T. C] 



SOCIETIES. 



Entomological Society of London. Fehruanj 2?u7, 1887. — 

 Dr. D. Sharp, President, in the chair. The President nominated 

 Mr. Robert M'Lachlan, F.E.S., Mr. Osbert Salvin, M.A., F.E.S., 

 and Mr. Henry T. Stainton, F.Pi.S., Vice-Presidents during 

 the Session 1887-1888. The Rev. W. J. Holland, M.A., of 

 Pittsburgh, United States; Dr. F. A. Dixey, M.A., Fellow of 

 Wadham College, Oxford ; Mr. C. J. Gahan, M.A., of Brompton, 



