idlest butterflies and moths in dry weather will be sufficiently dried to permit of 

 their removal from the setting boards in a week; but large, stout-bodied moths may 

 require as much as two weeks, or even more time, before they are dry enough to be 

 taken off the boards. The process of drying may be hastened by placing the boards in 

 an oven, but the temperature of the oven must be quite low. If too much heat is ap- 

 plied great injury is sure to result. Only a careful and expert operator should resort 

 to the use of the oven, a temperature ab<^ v e 120 F. being sure to work mischief. 

 When butterflies or moths have been put up in papers or mounted on pins with- 

 out having their wings expanded and set, it becomes necessary before setting them 

 to relax them. This may be accomplished n several ways. If the specimens have 

 been pinned it is best to place them on pieces of sheet-cork on a tray of sand which 

 has been thoroughly moistened and treated with a good dose of carbolic acid. 

 Over all a bell glass is put. A tight tin box will serve the same purpose, but a 

 broad sheet of bibulous paper should always be put over the box, under the lid 

 before closing it, anjd in such a way as to leave the edges of the paper projecting 

 around the edges of the lid. This is done to absorb the moisture which might settle 

 by condensation upon the lid and drop upon the specimens. In a bell glass the 

 moisture generally trickles down the sides. Earthenware crocks with closely fitting 

 lids are even better than tin boxes, but they must have paper put over them be- 

 fore closing, in the same way as is done when tin boxes are used. When specimens 



