CHAP. xxv. . Preserving Specimens. 363 



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

 the water, mucus, etc. This spirit may be used for any number of speci- 

 mens as long as it is strong enough to preserve them from early putrefaction. 

 Leave the specimens in this spirit for from eight to ten days. 



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

 and leave them there for 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 be 

 shipped, and will keep for six or eight months. Rum or arrack of the 

 strength indicated answer very well for this purpose, but spirits of wine, if 

 procurable pure, 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. Pack the specimens as close as herrings, 

 and do not leave any free space at the top or on the sides of the box. Fill 

 the box with spirit, taking care to drive out the air which may remain 

 between the specimens, and close it hermetically by soldering down the 

 cover. The best way of closing the box is to make a small round hole in 

 the cover of the box. First fix down the cover of the box, then pour spirit 

 through the small hole, until the box is quite full. This hole may then be 

 easily closed by another small square lid of tin. 



8. Turn the box upside down and see whether it keeps in the spirit 

 perfectly. 



9. Reptiles of every description may be preserved in the same way. 

 However, as they naturally contain less fluid, it will be sufficient to change 

 the spirits once. 



10. The list should be prepared in duplicate, one copy being retained till 

 the receipt of the other is acknowledged. The list should contain the 

 native names of the fish, and any information of their habits, qualities, etc., 

 that may be procurable. It should state in particular whether the fish was 

 caught in a tank or river. 



In India I have found it an advantage to add one in forty of 

 carbolic acid to the spirit, but only when the spirit cannot be obtained 

 sufficiently rectified, and on one occasion on which I could not get 

 any spirit in the forest the same solution in water preserved the fish 

 till I could get them to head-quarters and put them in spirits. Too 

 great a strength of carbolic acid will shrivel the scales. Any of it is 

 objected to by some as injurious to the colour ; but as the colour of 

 a dead fish is no guide at all to the colour of the live fish, but rather 

 misleads, I do not consider that objection a weighty one as regards 

 fish. Your spirit may be as strong as you like, there is no fear of 



