CAKE OF SPECIMENS, CHESTS, ETC. 151 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



CARE OF SPECIMENS, CHESTS, CABINETS, CASES, AND STANDS. 



First see that all objects pf Natural History are properly- 

 prepared. Extremes of heat and cold, wet weather, and 

 fatigue, will occasionally tempt the collector to neglect 

 his work, but experience teaches him that specimens re- 

 quire the earliest and most thorough treatment. He will 

 find that a skin but half poisoned is sure food for the lar- 

 vae of the Dermestidce, or a breeder of pests to feed on the 

 weak portions of a whole collection. Eggs not carefully 

 blown and cleansed will discolor, decay, and make food 

 for multiplying insects ; and sea-shells hastily prepared 

 becorne offensive, and lose color. Half pickled specimens 

 mould and decay, and insects carelessly mounted appear 

 cramped and ungainly. Slighted plants mould and lose 

 color, and many specimens, procured with great labor, 

 are often sacrificed. If a little extra trouble is necessary, 

 there is the satisfaction of knowing that specimens, well 

 prepared, will keep a life-time. 



Poison is a good preventive of insect mutilation or 

 destruction, but long experience has taught me that tight 

 chests afford the best protection for specimens generally. 

 Never place skins received from strangers among your 

 own without closely inspecting them. Most amateur 

 collectors do not perceive the necessity of thorough pre- 

 paration. Experience, however, sooner or later sharpens 

 their understanding. 



Three kinds of boxes or chests are necessary for the 

 protection of specimens, viz. : A field chest, a storage 

 chest, and a chest in which natural objects may be kept 

 for display or scientific examination. 



The first should be constructed of light, strong wood, 

 and iron bound. It should contain light wooden trays, 



