128 THE ANIMAL KINGDOM. 



fore,, very interesting to be possessed of these varieties. When 

 the species are too large for preservation in spirits, they ought 

 to be skinned, taking care to preserve the head and fins entire. 

 The brain ought to be removed by the occipital hole. 



Far Insects, Shells, &c., see their respective chapters. 



Every animal sent home should be accompanied by a note, 

 stating the country where it was found, the particular situa- 

 tion where it localises, its food, the season it was taken, 

 the peculiarity of its habits, its native name, whether its 

 flesh was used as food, any popular or superstitious opinions 

 regarding it amongst the natives. A number corresponding 

 to the note should be attached to the animal. 



The most certain way to prevent these numbers from being 

 injured, is to have them either painted, or stamped upon wood 

 or metal, and attached with brass wires ; or these may be en- 

 graved on pewter plates. 



In packing objects of natural history, attention is required 

 to see that they are well preserved from the attacks of insects ; 

 the skins must be well rubbed inside with the arsenical soap. 

 (See page 116.) Caution must, however, be exercised in the 

 use of it ; and in mounting the skins afterwards, it is necessary 

 to avoid touching them with the hands as much as possible, as 

 it often produces disagreeable effects. Those objects which 

 are prepared with the preservative should be marked, so that 

 the stuffer may avoid touching them too much. Or other 

 preservatives may be used, such as spirits of turpentine, oil of 

 petroleum, and camphor, which are sure to disperse insects if 

 on the skins, and will also prevent them from attacking them, 

 while transporting from one place to another. 



Before skins of any kind are packed, they must be well 

 shaken, and then rubbed over inside with oil of petroleum, or 

 spirits of turpentine ; these must be applied with a brush. 

 They are then slightly packed with cotton, but just sufficient 

 to prevent the inside of the skins from pressing on each other. 

 In case oil of petroleum, or turpentine, cannot be procured, a 

 decoction of bitter and aromatic herbs may be rubbed over the 

 inside of the skins, and the outsides should be dusted with 

 pounded tobacco, or pepper. The box in which they are pack- 

 ed must be pitched all over to prevent damp and air from reach- 

 ing the inside. 



