CRUSTACEANS — INVERTEBRATES 65 



tops can be sealed by means of adhesive tape so that evaporation 

 will not occur. 



In order that there will be room enough for sufficient preserving 

 liquid properly to pickle the collected animals, the bottle or 

 container in which they are preserved or stored should not be 

 filled more than two-thirds full of specimens, except in extreme 

 cases when they will not remain crowded for long periods of 

 time. This caution is especially to be observed in the Tropics 

 or other regions where high temperatures obtain. Moreover, in 

 such situations, if tightly sealed or clamp-top containers are 

 used, the tops must be opened from time to time during the 

 first few days, to allow accumulated gases to escape; otherwise, 

 the container may blow up or the specimens be ruined. 



Ordinarily, for shipment a bottle or can full of liquid provides 

 sufficient cushion for the contents against shock or breakage en 

 route. Under no circumstances should raw cotton be put in any 

 bottle to take up vacant space as these specimens become 

 hopelessly entangled in it. If packing material is deemed 

 necessary, soft paper or thin cloth should be used. Where weight 

 of shipments becomes an important factor, as in air transport, 

 the specimens may be shipped without any liquid whatsoever, 

 provided that they are shipped in liquid-tight containers which 

 will keep the contents from evaporation. A well-preserved animal, 

 guarded against desiccation, will keep indefinitely. At the same 

 time, the containers can be packed brimful. Where convenient, 

 tins may be lined with cloth, preferably light cotton, to prevent 

 the animals from becoming rust-stained, particularly if old cans 

 are used. The cloth should be moistened with some of the 

 liquid in which the animals are preserved. Shipment of moist 



