PRESERVATION OF MOTHS. 175 



a solution of corrosive sublimate in spirits of 

 wine, and make it so strong that when a 

 black feather is dipped in it and then dried 

 a white frosty dust appears on the surface. Then 

 continue to weaken it by the addition of spirit 

 until the white efflorescence has disappeared, and 

 the solution will be exactly the right strength. 



Dip the Moth boldly in this solution, and take oft 

 the superfluous moisture at the ends of the wings 

 by blotting-paper; then shake it gently in the 

 sun or before the fire, or place it under the 

 sash of a window raised about one inch, so that 

 a strong draught shall pass through it. If these 

 directions be carefully attended to, not the least 

 particle of down will be disturbed, and feathery 

 Moths will appear just as fresh as when they 

 were first taken. 



Large-bodied Moths, such for example as the 

 Death's Head, the Puss, the Lappet, and others, 

 must be stuffed in order to prevent " grease," a 

 horrid oleaginous substance which exudes from the 

 bodies, and spreads even to the tips of the wings, 

 making the insects look as if they had been 

 dipped in oil. The best way is to remove the 

 abdomen at its junction with the thorax, and 

 carefully to remove the contents. Fill up the 

 space lightly with cotton- wool, pour into the wool 



