152 



Mr. Scott said the finding of the kangaroo mouse was important, 

 as it belonged to the Alleghany fauna. He enquired whether pure 

 spirits should be used for preserving rejitiles. 



Mr. Small said that care should be taken that the spirits were 

 not too strong, as, if they were, the colour and tissue were both apt to 

 be damaged and jjerhaps des^^royed. He had found from expevience 

 that the ordinary druggists' alcohol, 15 above proof, diluted with one- 

 third its quantity of water, was the proper strength. It would also be 

 found very convenient for the collector to keep a common wide-mouthed 

 jar in which to place his specimens when collected, to lie in the spirits 

 till requii'ed, A few days after being placed in the liquid they should 

 be taken out and pricked in several places with a sharp pin or needle. 

 This would allow the gas to escape and prevent any discolouration. 

 They could always, if kept under the liquid, be placed in any shape 

 required, as they remained perfectly pliant. 



Prof. Macoun had lost some specimens of small fishes by using 

 too stronsf alcohol. 



