OF LEPIDOPTEROUS INSECTS. 20? 



method. As soon as the operation is properly per- 

 I formed, the depredating insect perceives that the 

 prepared specimen is no longer food for it, and will 

 I for ever cease to attack it ; but then every part 

 must have received the poison, otherwise those 

 parts where the poison has not reached will still be 

 exposed to the enemy, and he will pass unhurt 

 over the poisoned parts till he arrives at that part 

 of your specimen which is still wholesome food for 

 him. Now, the difficulty lies in applying the 

 solution to very minute specimens without injuring 

 their appearance ; and all that can be said is, to 

 recommend unwearied exertion, which is sure to 

 be attended with great skill, and great skill will 

 insure surprising success. I myself have attended 

 to the preservation of insects with the assiduity 

 which Horace recommends to poets : ( Nocturna 

 versate manu, versate diurna.' The result has 

 been astonishing success, and a perfect conviction 

 that there is no absolute and lasting safety for pre- 

 pared specimens in zoology from the depredations 

 of insects, except by poisoning every part of them 

 with a solution of corrosive sublimate in alcohol. 



" The tight boxes, and aromatic atmospheres, will 

 certainly do a great deal, but they are liable to 

 fail, for this obvious reason, viz. that they do not 

 render for ever absolutely baneful and abhorrent 

 to the depredator, that which in itself is nutritious 

 and grateful to him. In an evil hour, through 



