12 THE COCCIDAE 



This can be accomplished fortunately just as readily from speci- 

 mens that have been dried for a long period of years as from fresh 

 or living specimens. 



The dried specimen is transformed by treating it with chemicals 

 which will not only dissolve the wax, but soften the cuticle, expand 

 the wrinkles until the body is of its original size and shape, and 

 clarify the dark and clouded portions. The making of a good 

 preparation of a coccid is not an easy matter. It does not consist 

 in dumping some specimens roughly and carelessly into a dish 

 with certain chemicals, and, then by juggling them through a series 

 of other dishes and chemicals, expect them to come out a finished 

 product. Those wfib undertake the task with this attitude of mind 

 have a sad awakening before them and the fewer number of 

 bunglers of this type who undertake the preparation and study of 

 the classification of the Coccidae, the better off the subject will be. 

 The making of a good preparation is an operation that requires 

 time, unbounded patience, and skill in manipulation. It frequently 

 occurs even when all of these are applied to the very best of one's 

 ability that a large proportion or all of the resulting mounted 

 specimens may be practically worthless for study. There is no 

 easy road to follow at such times. The only thing to do is to try 

 again and to keep on trying until preparations that will answer 

 every necessity of the case are secured. 



Equipment. The making of good microscopic preparations 

 presupposes that the preparator is provided with all the necessary 

 tools, chemicals, and glassware. A considerable equipment is 

 desirable but not essential in the preparation of coccids. Such an 

 outfit is not in use continuously and it is frequently advantageous 

 to remove the bottles and glassware at such times from the table. 

 This is more easily accomplished if it is arranged in a drawer that 

 can be shoved into a locker or cabinet. The outfit named below 

 can be arranged compactly in a drawer eighteen inches long, twelve 

 inches wide, and three inches deep. If an inch board with holes 

 bored in it in which the various bottles and jars will fit, is placed 

 in the bottom of the drawer, there will be less shifting about and 

 the various vessels will always be in their proper places. 



Such a drawer should be provided with the following 

 articles : 



1. Rubber stoppered bottle for ten per cent caustic potash 

 and holding 500 cc. 



2. Glass stoppered bottle for 95 per cent alcohol and holding 

 500 cc. 



