BOTTLES AND VIALS. 55 



for this purpose is a vial of quadrangular outline with clear 

 flat sides. 



In the case of the large branching corals (gorgonias, madre- 

 pores, etc.), a square box is taken and filled with plaster of 

 Paris mixed with water ; the coral is then placed in this in 

 an upright position and supported until the plaster sets. The 

 box is then taken apart and all rough places smoothed with a 

 case knife, and then the plaster is painted with lampblack 

 and turpentine. This forms a heavy base which holds the 

 specimen uprightly. The label may be applied to this base. 

 The coarse "builders' " plaster should be used for this pur- 

 pose, as it is much stronger (as well as much cheaper) than 

 the fine. 



BOTTLES AND VIALS. 



In every museum, vessels of glass are largely employed 

 and form a considerable item of expense. For exhibition 

 purposes, pains should be taken to obtain clear glass, free 

 from bubbles and irregularities producing distortion in the 

 view of the specimen. Glass stoppered vials and jars also 

 are preferable as they not only add to the appearance of the 

 collection, but they are less liable to leak, and permit the 

 alcohol to escape by evaporation than are those with corks. 

 The mouth of jars, vials, etc., should be as large as possible 

 so that specimens proportionate to the size of the bottle may 

 be readily admitted ; otherwise a larger amount of alcohol is 

 required than is necessary for the preservation of the specimen. 



