46 collector's manual 



20 to 40 percent solution of alcohol, as this kills quickly and 

 they remain relaxed. A few drops of ether in water makes a 

 good killing solution for frogs but does not serve for salamanders. 

 Do not use chloroform, as it causes the muscles to tighten, making 

 distorted specimens. Lacking alcohol or ether, use warm water 

 which also leaves the animals relaxed. Take good series of each 

 kind whenever possible, preserving large and small, light and dark 

 specimens as they come, in order to get the full range of 

 variation. 



After killing, the best procedure is to arrange the animals in a 

 natural position in a pan of 10 percent formalin for 3 or 4 hours 

 until they are stiffened, when they may be removed for preser- 

 vation to 60 percent alcohol, made by adding 4 parts of water 

 to 6 parts of full-strength alcohol. If formalin is not at hand they 

 may be placed directly in 60 percent alcohol. If alcohol is not 

 available, preserve in 2 to 3 percent formalin. 



With large toads and frogs — over 5 inches in length — make a 

 short incision in the stomach and others in the fleshy part of 

 the under side of the legs with a knife or scissors to allow the 

 preservative to enter. Prop the mouth open with a cork or 

 small piece of wood, so that the preserving fluid may penetrate 

 the alimentary canal. 



Specimens should not be packed tightly when first preserved — 

 not more than three or four to a jar at first if possible — as the 

 muscles set within the first few hours and distortion results when 

 they are crowded. Leave them in the original preserving fluid 

 for 2 or 3 days, then put them in a fresh solution of the same 

 mixture for permanent storage. The original fluid discolors and 

 weakens after freshly killed animals have been put in it. Keep 



