MANUAL OF NATURAL HISTORY, 625 



hoi, in the proportion of a teaspoonful of the former 

 to a pint of the latter, is also very good when em- 

 ployed as a preservative for skins, and is particu- 

 larly useful for applying to the bills, the bare skin 

 about the head, and the feet of birds. Or, 

 No. 3. Arsenical-paste, made thus : — 



Take of Camphor . . . 3 oz. 



Powdered Arsenic . 1 lb. 



White Soap . . . 1 lb. 



Carbonate of Potassa . 6 oz. 



The soap should be cut into thin slices, put into 

 an earthen crock, with a small quantity of water, 

 placed over a gentle fire, and frequently agitated ; 

 when it is dissolved add the carbonate of potassa, 

 then remove the vessel from the fire and add the 

 arsenic, at the same time stirring the whole, and 

 lastly mix the camphor, previously well pounded, 

 with the other ingredients. The paste should be of 

 good consistence, and may be preserved in tin boxes 

 for future use. 



The first preservative is that which we should use 

 and would recommend. 



4th. — A quantity of plaster of Paris should be 

 provided for applying to stains and blood-spots on 

 the plumage of birds. 



5 th. — A canvas knapsack. 



6th. — Store- and pocket-boxes lined with cork for 

 insects. The boxes made by Mr. Eobert Downie, 

 will be found as good as any. A number of these 

 — say eight — might be placed in a strong outer case, 

 the corners of which should be strengthened with 



