










^ a i : 
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308 PRESERVATION OF ENTOMOLOGICAL CABINETS. $ 
$ b re? 
into pill boxes with Trogoderma larvae; After some weeks' 
the specimens were partly eaten; and the larve transformed 
into perfect insects. 
The effects of benzine and carbolic acid are powerful, but 
only temporary. The former is preferable on account of its 
less disagreeable odor, and may be used by pouring about a 
teaspoonful in each box; it must be renewed every four or 
five months. 
Packing the collection in chests painted with coal-tar has - 
been also recommended, and would certainly be efficient, but 
. troublesome, and renders the collection, practically, nearly 
useless for study on account of the difficulty of access to the 
boxes. Surgical art has, however, given to us an instru- 
ment by which a poisonous liquid can be rapidly and most 
effectively applied to the entire surface of large numbers of 
specimens as they stand in the cabinet boxes, without the 
trouble of moving them. I refer to the Atomizer. 
Opinions may vary as to the nature of the liquid poison to 
be used, but after several trials I have found the following 
formula to be quite satisfactory ; it produces no efflorescence, 
even on the most highly polished species, while the odor 1s 
quite strong, and persistent enough to destroy any larve or 
eggs that may be already in the box :— 
Saturated alcoholic solution of arsenious acid, eight fluid 
ounces; Strychnine, twelve grains; Crystallized carbolic 
acid, one drachm; Mineral naphtha (or heavy benzine) and 
strong alcohol, enough to make one quart. 
I have not stated the quantity of naphtha, since there are 
some varieties of light petroleum in commerce which dis- 
solve in aleohol only to a slight extent. These should not 
be used. The heavier oils which mix indefinitely with alco- — 
hol are the proper ones, and for the two pints of mixture 
ten to twelve fluid ounces of the naphtha will be sufficient. 
Care should be taken to test the naphtha on a piece of 
|. paper. If it leaves a greasy stain which does not disappe?t — 
(^. after a few hours, it is not suitable for this purpose. E 


