50 ZOOLOGT. 



with a Metnorandum of what particulars belong <-o i(, as the 

 having a duplicate of this kind, though it may trespass some- 

 ■what on the time of the Traveller, will not unfrequently 

 amply repay him for his trouble. The skins should be 

 packed as close as possible ; and when the package is full, 

 the joints and cracks should be stopped with pieces of 

 paper pasted over them ; but even in this, some caution is 

 necessary, as paste affords a nidus to numerous insects, 

 which frequently deposit their eggs on it, as a proper food for 

 the larv£e when hatched. To prevent any unpleasant eflects 

 of this kind a considerable portion of Corrosive Sublimate or 

 Arsenic, should be mixed with the paste before it is used ; 

 and when the paste is thoroughly dry, the places so covered 

 should be washed over with a strong size, in which Arsenic 

 or Sublimate is held in solution ; the size may be formed 

 of pieces of skin boiled in water, until completely dissolved, 

 and the Arseaic or Sublimate should be mixed with it 

 whilst hot. If previous to being put on ship-board, the 

 cases could be covered over with a thick coat of oil paint, 

 it would most effectually exclude both damp and insects. 

 With these precautions, we have known skins of the most 

 delicate species of Quadrupeds and Birds remain packed 

 for three or more years, even in warm countries, without 

 receiving any perceptible injury. 



When a box of skins shall be re-opened, the skins should 

 be exposed to the fire as before directed, after which they 

 will be in a fit state to put up. ' This part of the under- 

 taking is attended with a considerable portion of trouble, 

 and to succeed well, requires no small degree of ingenuity. 

 W« recommend every person desirous of attaining perfection 



