:;iii) Miscellaneous. Chapt. x.xur. 



" Alcohol is cheap ami plentiful abroad. The corrosive su hi i- 

 " mate must be very finely pounded. Highly rectified spirit of 

 ' wine may be diluted with water equal in cpuantity. Thus, to one 

 " quart bottle of alcohol, I would add one quart bottle of water. 

 " Into this, I would put a table-spoonful of corrosive sublimate, and 

 " nothing more is required." 



Here in India I use the country arrack. 



With reference to preserving in spirits, I can hardly do better 

 than add the following : — 



Rehunted from the "Natural History Review," April 1862. 

 Directions for Collecting and Preserving Fishes. 



1. Collect fishes of every size. The eel-like fishes ought not to 

 exceed 36 inches in length ; the broad kinds not 18. Six specimens 

 of each species will lie quite sufficient. 



2. Tie to each specimen a label of parchment or of tin foil, 

 on which the name of the exact locality where the specimen 

 is procured is written, or a number referring to a list of 

 localities. 



3. Cut a small slit in the belly of the specimens, so as to admit 

 the spirit, but do not remove the intestines.* 



4. Put the specimens into a large jar or tub containing spirit to 

 extract the water, mucous, etc. This spirit may he used fur any 

 number of specimens as long as it is strong enough to preserve 

 them from early putrefaction. Leave the specimens in this spirit 

 for from 8 to 10 days. 



5. Transfer the specimens into other spirit, stronger than the 

 f. inner, ami leave them there ha- another fortnight. 



6. Pack, finally, the specimens in spirit which is strong enough 

 to be inflammable with a lighted match. In spirit like this the 

 specimens may he shipped, and will keep for six or eight months. 

 Hum or arrack of the strength indicated, answer very well for 

 this purpose, hut spirits of wine, if procurable pun', are best 



7. The best way of sending specimens is in a tin box fitted into 

 a wooden case. Wrap each specimen in a piece of fine linen to 

 prevent the rubbing off of the scales and other injuries. Tack the 



» In tropical dimes, decomposition sots in so soon that I think it is bettor t" 

 remove the intestines, notwithstanding the loss. 



