BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [12] 



tiugers, through cuts or abrasions of the skin, is far less likely, while 

 the alum also greatly accelerates the drying of the specimen. 



It has been stated that there is no satisfactory substitute for arsenic ; 

 but in its entire absence corrosive sublimate (dissolved in alcohol and 

 brushed over the inside of the skin), powdered alum, or other astrin- 

 gent substances may be used, especially if combined with some strong- 

 smelling substance to repel the attacks of insects, as camphor, oil of 

 red cedar, oil of bitter almonds, naphthaline, creosote, etc. 



Some persons prefer arsenical soap to the pure arsenic or mixture of 

 arsenic and alum, but there are several serious objections to its use and 

 it is not to be recommended. 



Sometimes the application of arsenic or other substances named 

 above, while sufficient to preserve the specimen from decay, will not 

 repel the attack of insects, especially in tropical countries, where pests 

 of this kind abound. It therefore would be well to paint the bills, 

 feet, and other unfeathered parts with an alcoholic solution of the oil 

 of bitter almonds, oil of red cedar, camphor, or some other highly pun- 

 gent substance.* 



Miscellaneous. — In addition to the various articles already mentioned, 

 many other things are quite necessary for successful collecting, among 

 which may be mentioned the following : 



(1) A receptacle for carrying the birds while out collecting. The 

 very best thing for this purpose is a tin box with sliding lid, similar to 

 the ordinary botanical collecting box, or ditferingin shape only, as may 

 suit the taste or convenience of the collector. This is to be suspended 

 by a strap hung over the shoulder of the opposite side. The next best 

 thing is a fishing basket or " creel," of as large size as can be conve- 

 niently carried. 



(2) A bos with tightly fitting hinged lid, not less than 5 by 8 by 2 

 inches,! to contain arsenic or the mixture of alum and arsenic, and 

 which should always be kept about half full. It should also contain a 

 rabbit's foot, which is by far better than any other sort of brush for 

 applying the arsenic to the skin. When not in use this box should be 

 kept closed and put out of reach of children, and when moving from 

 place to place it may be wrapped in paper and packed with other im- 

 plements. 



(3) A similar, but perhaps smaller, box, to contain corn meal or other 

 absorbent substances. 



(5) A plentiful supplj^ of " merchandise tags." to serve as temporary 

 labels, and blank labels with tying-threads already attached. 



(6) A box of moist water colors, with suitable brushes (see page 16). 



* An alcoholic solution of sfcrychni ue has been recommended; but the writer has 

 found this unreliable. 



t Ooe of larger dimensions would be better, so that birds of medium size may be 

 laid inside the box while the arsenic is being applied to the skin. 



