72 PRESERVING INSECTS. 
tunity of seeing him, as the moon shone through 
apertures where windows had once been, I never 
could be certain that I saw him make a positive 
attempt to quench his thirst from my veins, though 
he often hovered over the hammock. 
ON PRESERVING INSECTS SELECTED FOR’ 
CABINETS. 
I onty know of two methods to guard prepared 
insects from the depredations of living ones. The 
first is, by poisoning the atmosphere; the second is, 
by poisoning the preserved specimens themselves, 
so effectually, that they are no longer food for the 
depredator. But there are some objections to both 
these modes. A poisoned atmosphere will evaporate 
in time, if not attended to, or if neglected to be 
renewed ; and there is great difficulty in poisoning 
some specimens, on account of their delicacy and. 
minuteness. If you keep spirits of turpentine in the 
boxes which contain your preserved specimens, I am 
of opinion that those specimens will be safe as long 
as the odour of turpentine remains in the box; for 
it is said to be the most pernicious of all scents to 
insects. But it requires attention to keep up an 
atmosphere of spirit of turpentine. If it be allowed 
to evaporate entirely, then there is a clear and un- 
disputed path open to the inroads of the enemy: he 
will take advantage of your absence or neglect ; and, 
when you return to view your treasure you will find 
