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. 
For 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 
fiesh 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. 
