The Mickoscope. 201 



the back of the head, to hold the glass in position is best 

 for the purpose. Having the insect first on its back under the 

 water, take two of the small brushes, one in each hand, using one 

 brush to hold the insect while with the other the wings, legs and 

 antennae are brushed out so as least to interfere with the process of 

 removing the contents of the abdomen; which is done by gently 

 pressing the body with the brush, to whicli is given a rolling move- 

 ment, always in the direction from the head of the insect. Some- 

 times it may be necessary to make a small opening in the 

 back of the insect near the extremity of the abdomen. On the 

 thoroughness with which this cleansing is done will depend 

 mainly the perfection of the mount. Have care in this process to 

 avoid disturbing the wings and legs of the insect. The writer has 

 sometimes used to advantage a hypodermic syringe, after cleansing 

 as much as possible by the method stated. Filling the syringe with 

 water, insert its point in the back of the insect and press the water 

 slowly through the abdomen several times, thus washing out what 

 previously could not be pressed out. Now float the insect on a slip 

 of glass and procure fresh water, to which return the insect. 

 Then brush carefully all the parts with an outward movement as 

 to the body and in a direction from the head, and on both sides. 

 In turning the object in the water, float it on a slip of glass and 

 cover with another slip. This will prevent disturbing the position 

 of the parts. 



At last place the parts in the position desired, remove from the 

 water and cover carefully with another slip. Then apply one of the 

 brass spring-clips. By this device the insect is more evenly flattened 

 by the constant pressure, and the spring is much more conveniently 

 used than the fine wire sometimes recommended for fastening. 



With some delicate objects the pressure of the spring may have 

 too crushing an efi^ect, to avoid which tie a piece of fine wire about 

 each end of one of the slips of glass, thus preventing their 

 approaching too closely. If the mounting and dissecting box is not 

 used, the process of cleaning may be best done in a shallow white 

 dish, with the most light possible to obtain in any ordinary way. 



The insect remaining between the slips of glass is then to be 

 immersed for a day or two in water. Then returning it to the water 

 in the glass dish and removing it, under water, from the glass slips, 

 carefully brush on both sides, for this is the final process in 

 cleansing. Adjusting the parts and returning it to the slips of glass 

 immerse in alcohol for one day, and then transfer to turpentine, 



