PKESERVATION OF MUSEUM SPECIMENS. f)53 



ting them in a close box or vessel, and pouring* the benzine in, leaving 

 them tightly closed therein for several days. This operation destroys 

 any larvae or eggs. They should then be hung up until the benzine 

 evaporates before proceeding with the poisoning solutions. Bisulphide 

 of carbon is more volatile and more quickly effective than benzine, and 

 may be used, if preferred. There is reason to believe that both kill the 

 eggs — quickly if the fluid comes in contact with th«,m and less rapidly 

 if they are directly affected only by the fumes in the vapor. Great care 

 must be taken not to allow fire of any kind to come in contact with the 

 vapor of bisulphide of carbon. There are several reasons why benzine 

 is preferable, and the latter is sure to be effective when followed by 

 the arsenic-naphtha solution. The solution found most satisfactory for 

 poisoning nearly every kind of specimens is as follows: 



Saturated solution of arsenic acid and alcohol 1 pint. 



Strong carbolic acid 25 drops. 



Strychnine 20 grains. 



.Alcohol (strong) 1 quart. 



Naphtha, crude or refined 1 pint. 



The use of strychnine is not absolutely necessary ; but it is a very good 

 agent and adds much to the value of the solution. Other solutions and 

 poisons will be noticed below. It will be found advisable to apply solu- 

 tions in the form of spray to delicate objects, such as feathers or speci- 

 mens of similar character. In this treatment an atomizer may be used. 

 Some small specimens may be dipped and allowed to drain, and the 

 solution may be applied with a brush to a large class of objects, taking 

 care to saturate every part. The specimens can then be hung up to dry 

 or laid away as they are. They should be kept free from dust, which 

 is exceedingly injurious to them. As soon as poisoned, they ought, if 

 intended for exhibition, to be mounted in dust-tight cases, or carefully 

 stowed away in close-fitting drawers or boxes. In unit or costume 

 boxes a small packet of naphthaline may be concealed behind the speci- 

 mens, and the junction of the lid should be made dust-proof by pasting 

 on strips of paper with paste containing arsenic or corrosive sublimate. 



Some specimens present problems that do not fall under any rule and 

 have to be left to judgment and experiment. As an instance in point, 

 we mention a fine deer-skin robe collected by Mr. Turner, beautifully 

 tawed, with the hair on, and ornamented with a medium which will not 

 stand wetting. It is obvious that no solution can be used in this case, 

 since alcohol or water will harden the buck-skin and destroy the decor- 

 ation. Satisfactory results might be obtained by judicious spraying, 

 but there would be doubt as to the completeness of the poisoning. It 

 would be better to rub into the kid surface a powder made of precipi- 

 tated chalk and white arsenic. The fur side should then be well rubbed, 

 care being taken to allow the powder to penetrate into the roots of the 

 hair. By all means protect the hands with gloves. Powdered soap 

 would also be a good medium for the arsenic. Great care should be 



