212 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 
sold by the dealers are too slight, and frequently carelessly 
made at the joints, although nicely finished and good looking. 
lt is unwise to have postal boxes made too large; better to 
send two boxes, than risk the whole number of insects sent 
by placing them in one large box. Postal boxes should not 
exceed three inches by two and a half inches, the top and 
bottom being each three-quarters of an inch deep; all inside 
measurements. Of course have smaller sizes. They should be 
made as follows:—For all sizes, up to that above suggested, 
the sides of the box should be of quarter-inch deal; the ends 
the same, or even one-eighth thicker; let in the ends by 
half-cutting the sides to contain them; secure with wire nails 
and glue. The top and bottom to be of half to three- 
quarters inch cork, rough on the outside; this should be 
secured with glue and light sprigs. When dry the edges are 
to be filed down to a slight square bevel. The hinge may be 
of canvas or, better still, of American cloth, with the smooth 
side out, glued over one side of the closed box. Lastly, have 
a strong pair of pegs (strong pin points will do) to act as 
catches on the front edges of the box. When completely dry 
this box will be found strong enough to bear the weight of a 
man standing on it. It is a mistake to save weight of box or 
of surrounding packing, for postage is cheap enough now. 
Place the insects to be sent away securely in the box; 
a little—not too much—cotton-wool under each body,—too 
much is apt to prize up and off the body; then lay over the 
body a little more cotton-wool, and cross pin over that. It 
will be found by practice that then the insects are never 
rubbed. When completed, before sending away, place a 
piece of paper between the top and bottom of box; this will 
be secured by the pegs when the box is closed. Im case a 
~ body should come loose, this will prevent it injuring all the 
insects in the box. Having done this, tie the box tightly 
round with thin string, so as to support it; surround the box 
with a liberal supply of cotton-wool, wrapping all with black 
calico; tie on a stamped and addressed loose label, and fear 
nothing for the safety of the contents. In this manner we 
know an instance of upwards of four thousand specimens of 
Lepidoptera (perfect insects) having been sent away in three 
months in boxes under that size, and nol a single breakage 
occurred. We believe the postal officials are, as a rule, much 
more sinned against than sinning. In sending larve by post 
