62 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 



Some of the species are nocturnal (as those who have slept 

 in the open air in the woods during the warm months can 

 bear painful testimony), and may be attracted by artificial 

 light, as in the case of the moths, etc. Their larvse are 

 found in various situations, some being aquatic, others 

 feeding upon putrid flesh and fish ; they may be preserved 

 in alcohol. 



In closing this chapter, I would impress upon the stu- 

 dent the absolute necessity of labelling every specimen 

 carefully, with the date and the locality in which it is 

 found; this may be done by numbers referring to a 

 catalogue, as in birds and mammals, or upon a slip of 

 paper. Also take notes of various circumstances relative 

 to the habits observed at the time of capture, etc. 



The best substance to protect cabinet specimens from 

 the attacks of injurious insects is benzine, placed in an 

 open vessel in each drawer or box. Camphor is also 

 good, but I think that its fumes tend to fade the brighter 

 colors of moths and butterflies. Spirits of turpentine is 

 good, but it evaporates much quicker than benzine. Car- 

 bolic acid is, next to benzine, perhaps the best substance, 

 if exposed in the same manner. 



To mount insects that have been dried, place them in a 

 box containing wet sand, and let them remain until soft, 

 when they are mounted as before directed. I am informed 

 by Mr. F. G. Sanborn that a few drops of carbolic acid 

 mixed with the water used in moistening the sand will 

 prevent mould from forming upon them while they are 

 being softened. The same preventive might be put in 

 the water used in moistening the cotton for softening bird- 

 skins. 



