VARIETIES. 319 



nothing but the top or lid of their respective egg-shells, which 

 they devour, as do the larvae of Pieris Cratcegi.^ I am aware 

 that Redi, and other entomologists, have observed that such 

 larvae as have been prevented from casting their first skins, 

 owing to the want of alimentary stimulus, will continue to 

 live in a state of perfect abstinence for many months ; but as 

 the instances are few and extraordinary, I anticipate that this 

 will be granted a corner in your Magazine. 



James Fennell. 



14. Preservation of Caterjnllars. — It is, perhaps, to be 

 ascribed to the mode of preserving caterpillars being so im- 

 perfectly understood, that they so seldom gain a place in the 

 entomological cabinet. It unfortunately does not appear that 

 Mr. Abbott, (the author of The Lepidopterous Insects of 

 Georgia,) whom Mr. Kirby mentions as having been " re- 

 markable for the admirable manner in which he prepared 

 caterpillars, so as scarcely to differ from life," has recorded 

 the method he pursued. Not being acquainted with any 

 professed entomologists, and, consequently, having only wit- 

 nessed the plans adopted in the preservation of these creatures 

 in our public museums, I know not whether the following 

 directions may possess aught deserving of attention. If the 

 caterpillar be hairy or spiny, enlarge the orifice of the anus, 

 and from thence endeavour, by gentle pressure, performed 

 with a smooth instrument, to squeeze out as much of the 

 contents of the inside as possible ; and while thus operating, 

 let the subject be laid on a sheet of blotting paper, that the 

 moisture exuded, being imbibed, may be prevented from wetting 

 and spoiling the hairs or spines. This done, insert frequently 

 fresh pieces of dry blotting paper, rolled round the end of a 

 smooth piece of stick, and continue to do so, until the dryness 

 of the paper, when retracted, indicates that no moisture re- 

 mains within. Let the skin be now distended into its proper 

 shape, by means of a stuflSng of down, or other soft materials, 

 (but not of sand, as recommended in some books,) taking the 

 precaution of guarding against the attacks of destructive in- 

 sects, by enclosing within a small quantity of camphor, 

 cayenne pepper, and red oxide of lead ; ingredients which, for 

 this purpose, I have found very serviceable. In preserving 



* And (if i\iany other Lepidoptera. — Ed. 



