Tue MIcROSCOPE. 211 
THE PREPARATION AND MOUNTING OF INSECTS. 
There are several processes for preparing and mounting in- 
sects, each of which possesses special advantages, in respect of 
the results and appearances it may be desired to obtain. 
Whenever it is possible, and except for special purposes, and in 
dissections, Insects should be mounted “without pressure,” 
since the flattening them out under pressure results in distor- 
tions, displacements of the parts and organs, and unnatural, 
and therefore, false appearances. It is, however, impossible toe 
mount all insects, or their parts, without pressure, and the fol- 
lowing process will give good results: 
Place the insect in pure Liq. Potass; mix with one-fifth 
ammonia fort. The insect must not be allowed to remain too 
long in this solution, and must be tested from time to time by 
placing it in water and pressing the thorax. When the thorax 
is soft and the legs flaccid immerse the insect in water for from 
16 to 24 hours, then soak it in glacial acetic acid and glycerine 
(half and half) for some hours.* Again, immerse it in water 
for from 12 to 24 hours; it is now ready to be laid out upon the 
slip; having done this, preserving the natural position of the 
parts as closely as possible, place a cover over the insect and 
tie lightly round it with soft cotton, stand the slip on end 
to drain, plunge the slip into a turpentine bath and leave it un- 
til all moisture has been driven out and the insect is thoroughly 
permeated by the turpentine, drain off the turpentine, apply 
blotting paper to remove any excess of turpentine from under 
the cover, and run in “ Benzole-Balsam” by capillary attrac- 
tion. The cover should never be lifted or allowed to shift its 
position after the insect has been laid out. 
When it is desired to preserve the brilliant or delicate 
colors of an insect, it should be placed, immediately after being 
killed by means of Chloroform, in Liq. Potass, without any 
mixture of Ammonia. for from two or three days, then soaked 
in water for 24 hours, then placed in water, with 10 drops of 
muriatic acid to each ounce of water, for 24 hours, it should then 
