WORK FOR THE WINTER HOLIDAYS. 



121 



sided jars are more expensive, and need special sealing,* but they 

 certainly have not the disadvantages of cylindrical ones." 



Methylated spirit can be used for many things. 

 If it does not contain gum, as is the case now with 

 that which is to be obtained at oil shops,* it can be 

 diluted with water (the usual kind of spirit turns 

 milky). Specimens which are liable to shrink 

 considerably should first of all be placed for some 

 days in 30% spirit, then transferred to 50%, and 

 finally kept in 70%, as already suggested. Spiders, 

 centipedes, millipedes, and woodlice are best kept 

 in spirit. So also are earthworms. For such 

 animals as frogs and toads* eggs, formalin (4% 

 solution) is advisable, and a mixture of spirit, 

 formalin and water is to be recommended for many 

 fungi and succulent fruits. 



Scrupulous neatness must always be exercised 

 and conventional arrangement departed from in 

 details, when this can be done without detracting 

 from the general orderliness. For instance, two 

 centipedes placed in a narrow jar should be put one 

 above the other in a straight line, but there is no Promaph MS a mbb. mifred 

 necessity to fix each animal, stark and straight ; 

 natural curves will add greatly to the effect (see 

 figure 115). 



NOTES ON ANIMALS STILL ACTIVE IN WINTER 

 Where an opportunity for out-door observation occurs, it may come 

 as a revelation that many of the smaller creatures are very much 



* See Appendix, page 149. 



FIGURE 11 5. A 

 Museum Jar. 



