PRESERVING INSECTS. 
85 
dead, the contents of the abdomen dried, and 
the form and colours preserved. It will require 
a little practice to determine the exact time it 
should remain ; for if left too long, or the heat 
be too great, it will burst. They may also be 
preserved in spirits of wine or turpentine. 
Insects must always be put away out of the 
reach of mice, spiders, earwigs, ants, &c. 
which will destroy in one night the labour of 
many days’ collecting ; camphor must be kept 
in the boxes to keep out mites, &c., which 
are very destructive to them. Too much care 
cannot be taken to have them thoroughly dry 
before placing them in the cabinet. 
Packing Insects. Great pains must be 
taken by the traveller in packing, or his labour 
will have been in vain. Those insects which 
are pierced, may be pinned firmly into a 
corked box ; but loose ones are best sent in 
tin boxes, filled up with cotton, dry bran or 
sand, and filling up the box to prevent break- 
age. Caterpillars should have a plentiful 
supply of leaves, for food on their journey. 
Underground chrysalides should be sent in 
boxes covered with damp moss, while those 
which change above ground may be packed in 
dry moss, or cotton. 
To remove the prejudice which is often felt 
II 
