32 



of the golden-crested wren, the tits, nuthateh, done in this way 

 many years since, quite unimpaired. 



Insects. — The smaller Lepidoptera are easily killed by slightly 

 pressing the body ; the larger by inserting into the thorax a sharply- 

 pointed quill, dipped in a strong solution of oxalic acid. Coleoptera 

 and Orthoptera should be immersed in boiling water. Newroptera, 

 Diptera, and Hymenoptera are destroyed in a few seconds by plac- 

 ing them in a bottle with a few drops of chloroform. 



Lepidoptera should be killed immediately they are captured, as 

 fluttering destroys their plumage. 



For full instructions for collecting and preserving insects we 

 refer our readers to Newman's " History of Insects," where also 

 they will find many useful hints on killing, setting and arranging 

 their specimens, and means for their capture. 



Skeletons may easily be prepared by boiling in water, and 

 then removing the flesh by syringing the specimen with cold water, 

 which leaves it perfectly clean. 



