510 PREPARATION OF OBJECTS IN NATURAL HISTORY. 



partially dried, the body is blown up to its common size, and 

 the straw cut off. 



The finest specimens of Phalenoe are procured by rearing 

 the caterpillars. These are gathered along with the leaves of 

 the plant upon which they feed, and are kept in a box covered 

 with gauze, taking care that the leaves are kept fresh by being 

 placed in a small vessel of water. When done feeding, they 

 form their cocoon, and remain in their pupa state till the period 

 of their complete developement. 



Messrs Kirby and Spence recommend the drawers for keep- 

 ing insects to be about eighteen inches square, the bottom co- 

 vered with cork, the top with glass, and about an inch and 

 a half in depth from the glass to the corked bottom. These 

 can be arranged at pleasure in a double row in a cabinet with 

 folding doors. 



POLYPI, &c. The greater portion of the calcareous Polypi, 

 as the corals, lose their animal matter upon being taken out of 

 the water, and the stony axis or body requires no further pre- 

 paration. The flexible or horny species, as the Sertulariae, &c. 

 are, after being freed of salt by dipping in fresh water, dried 

 and preserved in the manner of plants. To preserve the polypi 

 in a recent state spirits are necessary. 



