24 APHORISMATA ENTOMOLOGICA. 



the smallest groove, the largest-sized the largest, and so on with the 

 intermediate ones in gradation. Let so much suffice for this mode of 

 extending insects. 



In relaxing insects to remove a bad or too large pin, or to remove 

 such when relaxed for any other additional purpose, do not push the 

 insect downwards towards the point of the pin, (which is to be done 

 against any hard surface,) but press it upwards, at least first, towards 

 the head of the pin, and then when once shifted it is easily taken out 

 altogether. Otherwise in pressing downwards against the thorax of the 

 insect, you can hardly fail to injure the down. 



The pieces of silver paper are first to be made of a square shape, 

 and then one corner should be torn off, which part should be placed 

 against the base of the fore wings, and thus they will be found to lie 

 better upon them, and be more readily kept in place by the first 

 windings of the thi-ead. "Crede experto." 



Another advantage of the silver paper is, that if the wings be completely 

 covered with it, as they should be, no dust can accumulate upon them 

 previous to the insects being placed for safety in the cabinet. This is 

 no small advantage, for, even if ever so carefully kept otherwise, some 

 amount of the evil so much to be guarded against cannot but befal. 



If you are at all in haste to have any relaxed specimens dried, you 

 can accomplish the object by placing them withih your fender, namely, 

 if the fire in the grate be lighted; but observe, for good effect in this 

 process, the wings should be completely covered and well held down 

 in every part with the silver paper, as otherwise they might and would 

 spring up out of place here and there, in a manner the very reverse 

 of desirable. 



Item. — They should not be taken ofi" too soon, but, to speak scientifically, 

 the caloric absorbed should be suffered gradually to evaporate* in plain 

 English, they should be left untouched till quite cool again. 



But — Memento — beware of sparks, and do not stir your fire while 

 the insects are drying before it. If you are a lady, (and I am happy 

 to know that there are Entomological ladies, and happy to think that 

 there may be some such among my readers,) take my advice, and never 

 stir the fire at all. There are several good and weighty reasons for 

 this advice; one is, if I may be pardoned for saying so, that no woman 

 ever could stir a fire. Do not, therefore, try — be content with excelling 

 men in many important particulars; and "assure yourselves of my high 

 consideration." 



