110 - CARE OF A COLLECTION. 
about two feet long by about a foot wide; and one or two 
tiers of deeper trays. There are about forty thousand cubic 
inches in sueh a cabinet, of which perhaps one-tenth is occu- 
pied with woodwork; and I should judge that some eight or 
ten thousand hummingbirds, for instance (and other birds in 
proportion), could be accommodated in layers, a single bird 
deep. Be this as it may, I have kept all the birds, excepting a 
few of the largest, that I ever cared to have at my elbow at 
any one time, in one cabinet of such dimensions. | 
§58. To prestroy sues. In our present case prevention 
is not the best remedy, simply because it is not always practi- 
cable ; in spite of all mechanical precautions the bugs will get 
in. We have, therefore, to see what will destroy them, or at 
least stop their ravages. It is a general rule that any pun- 
gent aromatic odor is obnoxious to them, and that any very 
light powdery substance restrains their movements by getting 
into the joints and breathing pores. Both these qualities are 
secured in the ordinary ‘‘ insect powder,” to be had of any lead- 
ing druggist. It should be lavishly strewn on and among the 
skins, and laid in the corners of the drawers and trays. Thus 
used it proves highly effective, and is on the whole the most 
eligible substance to use when a collection is being constantly 
handled. Camphor is a valuable agent. Small fragments may 
be strewn about the drawers, or a lump pinned in mosquito 
netting in a corner. Benzine is also very useful. A small 
saucer full may be kept evaporating, or the liquid may be 
sprinkled—even poured—directly over the skins ; it is very vol- 
atile and leaves little or no stain. It is, however, obviously 
ineligible when a collection is in constant use. My friend Mr. 
Allen informs me he has used sulphide of carbon with great 
success. The objection to this agent is, that it is a stinking 
poison; should be used in the open air, to escape the ineffa- 
bly disgusting and deleterious odors, and its employ is prob- 
ably restricted to cases for storage. When the bill or feet 
show they are attacked, further depredation may be prevented 
by pencilling with a strong solution of corrosive sublimate; a 


