CABINETS AND CASES, IIQ 



Figure 9 represents the simplest style of setting-board. It 

 may be made of two pieces of thin pine board fastened together 

 by braces at the ends, and left wide enough apart to admit the 

 bodies of the insects. Strips of cork or pith, in which to fasten 

 the pins, may then be tacked or glued below so as to cover the in- 

 tervening space. This board can be hung against the wall, out of 

 the way, by attaching a ring or loop to one of the braces. 



For ordinary use boards 2 feet long, 3 inches wide and y^ inch 

 thick, with three braces— one in the middle and one at each 

 end — iy2 inches deep at the ends, but narrowing from each end to 

 li/^ inches at the middle. This slight rising from the middle ig 

 to counteract the tendency of the* wings, however well diieJ, to 

 drop a little after th-e insect is placed in the cabinet. The wings 

 are held in position until dry by means of strips of pape^ 

 pinned over the wing of the specimen, as shown in the above 

 figure. 



A cabinet can be made, similar to the illustration of the egg 

 cabinet on page 90, but should be provided with outside doors and 

 have several rows of drawers. These may be 1 3^ inches deep; 

 they are made of )^ inch stuff, with soft pine bottoms, or lined 

 with cork for the reception of pins. The top edges of the drawers 

 should be painted occasionally with creosote; the drug permeates 

 the wood, and keeps away Dermesies and Anthrenus, the pests so 

 destructive to collections of natural history. The drawers should 

 be papered inside with white paper, such as periodicals and maga- 

 zines are printed on. 



Whatever manner of box or drawer is used, great care should be 

 taken to keep it out of the sunlight and to make it so that the dust 

 will not penetrate, and it should always be kept out of a damp 

 place. 



Insects arranged in cases and hung upon the wall make beautiful 

 and attractive ornaments. These can be made any size desired 

 and the glass front should be fastened with hinges to be opened 

 when necessary. The bottom should be lined with cork and cov- 

 ered with white or tinted paper. Collectors should bear in mind 

 that care in killing insects effects very sensibly the looks of the 



