METHODS IX THE ART OF TAXIDERMY. 



349 



" Before poisoning, all objects should be treated with benzine, by 

 putting them in a close box or vessel, and pouring the benzine in, 

 leaving them tightly closed therein for several days. This operation 

 destroys any larvae or eggs. They should then be hung up until the 

 benzine evaporates before proceeding with the poisoning solutions. 

 Bisulphide of carbon is more volatile and more quickly effective than 

 benzine, and may be used, if preferred. There is reason to believe 

 that both kill the eggs — quickly, if the fluid comes in contact with 

 them, and less rapidly if they are directly affected only by the fumes in 

 the vapor. Great care must be taken not to allow fire of any kind to 

 come in contact with the vapor of bisulphide of carbon. There are 

 several reasons why benzine is preferable, and the latter is sure to be 

 effective when followed by the arsenic-naphtha solution. The solution 

 found more satisfactory for poisoning nearly every kind of specimens 

 is as follows : 



Saturated solution of arseuic acid and alcohol 1 piut. 



Stroug carbolic acid 25 drops. 



Strychniue 20 graius. 



Alcohol strong' 1 (|uart. 



Naphtha, crude or refiued 1 jjint. 



"The use of strychnine is not absolutely necessary; but it is a 

 very good a^^ent and adds much to the value of the solution. Other 

 solutions and poisons will be noticed below\ It will be found advisa- 

 ble to apply solutions in the form of spray to delicate objects, such as 

 feathers or specimens of similar character. In this treatment an 

 atomizer may be used. Some small specimens may be dipped and 

 allowed to drain, and the solution may be applied with a brush to a 

 large class of objects, taking care to saturate every part. The speci- 

 mens can then be hung up to dry or laid away as they are. They 

 should be kept free from dust, which is exceedingly injurious to them. 

 As soon as poisoned, they ought, if intended for exhibition, to be 

 mounted in dust-tight cases, or carefully stowed away in close-fitting 

 drawers or boxes. In unit or costume boxes a small packet of naphtha- 

 line may be concealed behind the specimens, and the junction of the 

 lid should be made dust-proof by pasting on strips of paper with paste 

 containing arsenic or corrosive sublimate. 



''Some specimens present probleins that do not fall under any 

 rule and have to be left to judgment and experiment. As an instance 

 in point, we mention a fine deer-skin robe collected by ]\Ir. Turner, 

 beautifully tawed, with the hair on, and ornamented with a medium 

 which will not stand wetting. It is obvious that no solution can be 



