88 INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLLECTINGS 



before tLe vent, so that a portion of the contents of the stomach and 

 intestine, which might conduce to putrefaction, is emptied out, and 

 the spirit is allowed free access to all internal parts. The specimens 

 are then placed in one of the preparatory vessels or boxes described 

 above. In a few days (or in hot climates after not more than one or 

 two days) the specimens must be removed to a second vessel containing 

 stronger spirit, and must remain there from eight to fourteen days. 

 If they then appear to be sound and well preserved, they may be left 

 in the same spirit till the time comes for finally packing them ; but 

 if they are soft and iiabby, and discharge mucous matter discoloured 

 with blood, they must be placed for a longer or shorter time in fresh 

 spirit at least 10° above proof. Specimens ivhic/i shoiv distinct 

 signs of jnitrefaction mMst he thrown away^ as they endanger the 

 whole contents of the box. Similarly, specimens which are already 

 decomposing when obtained must not be taken for preserving unless 

 disinfected by a solution of chloride of soda (a tablespoonfid of the 

 solution in one pint of water) poured into the mouth and injected in 

 the stomach. 



Of course the spirit which is used in this preliminary process 

 becomes weaker and weaker. So long as it is 15° under proof (or 

 10° in hot climates) it can still be used for the first stage of 

 preservation. If it sinks below this strength, it is of no further use 

 to a collector who has not the means of redistilling, unless he filters 

 it through powdered charcoal, and then brings it up again to the 

 needfnl strength by the addition of very strong alcohol. Sediments 

 on the bottom of the vessel or contaminated and badly smelling 

 spirits are better thrown away. 



As soon as the collector has accumulated a sufficient quantity of 

 well-preserved specimens, they should be sent home at the earliest 

 opportunity. For transport home they must be wrapped separately 

 in old unstained linen or paper, and packed as tightly as possible. No 

 empty space should be left in the cases above or at the sides, so that the 

 contents may receive no injury from the unavoidable shaking during 

 transit. When the case is full, the cover is soldered down, after a 

 hole of about half an inch in diameter has been made. The case is 

 then filled through the hole with spirit 20° above proof, and care 

 ijiust be taken that all the air is driven out by the licjuid' when 



