METHOD OF RELAXING DRIED INSECTS. 85 



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 pre- 

 servation of insects with the assiduity which Horace recom- 

 mends to poets : " Nocturna versate manu, versate diurna." 

 The result has been astonishing success, and a perfect convic- 

 tion that there is no absolute and lasting safety for prepared 

 specimens in Zoology from the depredations of insects, except 

 by poisoning every part of them with a solution of corrosive 

 sublimate in alcohol. 



Mr Waterton is of opinion, that tight boxes, with aromatic 

 atmospheres, are not to be depended upon, in the preservation 

 of insects. He says : " The tight boxes, and aromatic atmo- 

 spheres, 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. Jn an evil 

 hour, through neglect in keeping up a poisoned atmosphere, 

 the specimens collected by industry, and prepared by art, and 

 which ought to live, as it were, for the admiration of future 

 ages, may fall a prey to an intruding and almost invisible 

 enemy ; so that unless the solution of corrosive sublimate in 

 alcohol is applied, you are never perfectly safe from surprise. 

 I have tried a decoction of aloes, wormwood, and walnut leaves, 

 thinking they would be of service, on account of their bitter- 

 ness : the trial completely failed. Wherefore I venture to re- 

 commend not to put much trust in simples. 



" Contra vim mortis, non est medicamen in hortis." 



" Against the deadly moth, can I, 

 From herbs, no remedy supply." 



Many Entomologists are satisfied with possessing the insect 

 in its perfect, or imago condition. But it is exceedingly 

 interesting to be able to trace these through their different 

 states of existence, from the egg to the perfect insect. Besides, 

 we are certain to produce the insects in the highest state of 



