GENERAL ACCOUNT OF BUTTERFLIES 



When the wings are properly arranged their en- 

 tire surface is covered with wider strips of paper 

 (Fig. 19, b). The specimens are left on the 

 boards till they are dry ; this usually requires two 

 or three days. 



For pinning the sheets of paper over the wings 

 the sharp-pointed "mourning-pins" are much 

 better than ordinary brass pins ; and thin sheets 

 of mica are often used instead of sheets of paper 

 (Fig. 19, c). 



If one wishes to keep a collection of butter- 

 flies, it is essential that they 

 be stored in tightly covered 

 boxes, for there is a small 

 beetle — the museum pest — 

 which is sure to destroy the 

 specimens if it can reach 

 them. Various styles of in- 

 sect cases are sold by dealers ; we prefer those 

 that have a glass top, and which may be stored as 

 drawers in a cabinet (Fig. 20). By using this 

 kind, the specimens can be seen without opening 

 the case. 



The value of a collection of butterflies will be 

 greatly enhanced if specimens of the eggs, larvae, 

 and chrysalids be preserved with the adults. The 

 chrysalids should be killed in a cyanide bottle ; 



33 



Fig. 20. — A cabinet. 



