Chapt. xvii. Preserving fishes. 235 



2. Tie to each specimen a label of parchment or of 

 tin foil, on which the name of the exact locality where 

 the specimen is procured, is written, or a number refer- 

 ring to a list of localities. 



3. Cut a small slit in the belly of the specimens, so 

 as to admit the spirit, but do not remove the intestines. 



4. Put the specimens into a large jar or tub con- 

 taining spirit to extract the water, mucus, etc. This 

 spirit may be used for any number of specimens as long 

 as it is strong enough to preserve them from early putre- 

 faction. Leave the specimens in this spirit for from 8 to 

 10 days. 



5. Transfer the specimens into other spirit, stronger 

 than the former, and leave them there for another fort- 

 night. 



6. Pack, finally, the specimens in spirit which is 

 strong enough to be inflammable with a lighted match. 

 In spirit, like this, the specimens may be shipped, and 

 will keep for 6 or 8 months. Eum or arrack of the 

 strength indicated, answer very well for this purpose, 

 but spirits of wine, if procurable pure, are best. 



7. The best way of sending specimens is in a tin box 

 fitted into a wooden case. Wrap each specimen in a 

 piece of fine linen to prevent the rubbing off of the scales 

 and other injuries. Pack the specimens as close as her- 

 rings, and do not leave any free space at the top or on 

 the sides of the box. Fill the box with spirit, taking 

 care to drive out the air which may remain between the 

 specimens, and close it hermetically by soldering down 



30* 



