COLLECTING AND PRESERVING 311 



solution of corrosive sublimate and then they can be set 

 out to dry, the legs, antennae, etc., being extended and 

 displayed by means of pins crossed over them ; this on a 

 soft bit of board, the detached parts being carefully joined 

 with a little seccotine or other suitable cement. 



Those with membraneous or easily collapsible shells, 

 such as Gebia, Callianassa, etc. (see Fig. 50), must be 

 loosely stuffed with a little cotton wool. 



The Brachyura, or true crabs, must have the carapace 

 lifted off, and the flesh of all parts accessible removed 

 from that opening. 



In small forms there is no need to remove the flesh from 

 the legs, the corrosive sublimate will penetrate and readily 

 preserve this. In the large ones, such as the great edible 

 crab, and also the larger Macrura, such as Palinurus, the 

 flesh of the legs can be drawn out from the inside by means 

 of the bent wire, as described. 



To clean the claws of the large species force out the 

 movable finger (Dactylopodite), and hook out the flesh 

 that way. The finger can be " sprung " back into place 

 without any breakage. 



In large species the maceration in fresh water must be 

 considerable three or four days but not up to the point 

 of putrefaction and blackening, or some parts viz. the 

 mouth appendages (Maxillipedes, etc.) will become de- 

 tached. 



When the flesh is softened by maceration it comes away 

 readily, and the water tap (with force) will do much of 

 the work. 



Instead of corrosive sublimate for these, it does as well 

 to apply powdered alum inside, rather plentifully. As the 

 moisture dissolves it it penetrates to all parts, and is 

 effective. It spreads a little on the outside, and when 

 dry shows white, but this is easily sponged off. 



There is a division of opinion as to whether varnish 



