BOTTLES AND VIALS. 
on 
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for this purpose is a vial of quadrangular outline with clear 
flat sides. 
In the case of the large branching corals (gorgonias, madre- 
pores, etc.), a square box is taken and filled with plaster of 
Paris mixed with water; the coral is then placed in this in 
an upright position and supported until the plaster sets. ‘The 
box is then taken apart and all rough places smoothed witha 
case knife, and then the plaster is painted with lampblack 
and turpentine. This forms a heavy base which holds the 
specimen uprightly. ‘The label may be applied to this base. 
The coarse “‘builders’”’ plaster should be used for this pur- 
pose, as it is much stronger (as well as much cheaper) than 
the fine. 
BOTTLES ANT VIALS. 
In every museum, vessels of glass are largely employed 
and form a considerable item of expense. For exhibition 
purposes, pains should be taken to obtain clear glass, free 
from bubbles and irregularities producing distortion in the 
view of the specimen. Glass stoppered vials and jars also 
are preferable as they not only add to the appearance of the 
collection, but they are less liable to leak, and permit the 
alcohol to escape by evaporation than are those with corks. 
The mouth of jars, vials, etc., should be as large as possible 
so that specimens proportionate to the size of the bottle may 
be readily admitted ; otherwise a larger amount of alcohol is 
required than is necessary for the preservation of the specimen, 
