302 



INSECT LIFE. 



to the end of the body. Lay the specimen on a sheet 

 of blotting paper, and, placing a lead pencil across it 

 just back of its head, press out the viscera by rolling 

 the pencil toward the hind end of the larva. Dur- 

 ing this operation move the specimen about on the 

 blotting paper so that the skin will be kept dry. 

 When the contents of the body has been pressed out, 

 insert a straw or a glass tube drawn to a point at the 

 tip in the opening at the hind end, and inflate the 

 skin. If a straw is used, the skin can be fastened to 

 it by thrusting a fine insect pin through it and the 

 straw near the hind end of the specimen. When a 

 glass tube is used, first insert the tube, then remove 

 it carefully so as to leave the opening expanded ; 

 heat the point of the tube in the flame of a lamp, and 

 insert it in the opening again. If this is done prop- 

 erly the seared edges of the opening will adhere 

 firmly to the point of the tube. If the opening is not 

 perfectly closed it can be sealed with a drop of glue. 

 Inflate the skin, and hold it 

 while inflated in a hot place to 

 dry. The skin can be dried by 

 holding it near to the side of 

 the chimney of a lighted lamp. 

 A more convenient way is to 

 dry it in a little oven, made by 

 laying a large lamp chimney 

 across a tray of sand over a 

 lamp (Fig. 269). If the glass 

 tube be cut in two, and a sec- 

 tion of rubber tubing inserted 

 between the two pieces, it will 

 be much more convenient to use. In drying the 



Fig. 269. — An oven. 



