24 MISC. PUB. 601, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE 



below these large-bodied insects. On the other hand, large labels, 

 suitable for the larger insects, take up too much room in the collection 

 if used for small specimens. Labels printed with 4-point type or 

 diamond type will be found suitable for most purposes. Labels may 

 also be made any size by printing a few of them in strips in large 

 type, having an etching made at the desired reduction, and printing 

 the desired number of labels from the etching. The labels in figure 15 

 were made in that way. 



HOW LABELS SHOULD BE PINNED 



In general, labels should be attached so that they are balanced with 

 the mounted specimen. Figure 11, A, illustrates how to pin labels 

 for specimens mounted on points ; for pinned specimens the long axis 

 of the label should coincide with the long axis of the specimen, and 

 the left margin of the label should be toward the head of the speci- 

 men. The label may be run up on the pin to the desired height by 

 using the pinning block ; the middle step will usually give about the 

 right height. 



CARE OF THE COLLECTION 



HOUSING 



The adoption of standard equipment for housing the collection is 

 advantageous, as it assures uniformity of containers when additions 

 are necessary. Standard equipment is obtainable from any of several 

 reliable supply houses. 



Material preserved in liquid need receive no attention other than 

 replacement of preservative and corks. Vials should be examined 

 periodically to be sure the specimens do not become dry. Small vials 

 may be stored in racks in such a way that the corks are not in constant 

 contact with the liquid ; this also expedites arrangement and examina- 

 tion of the material. Vials that cannot be inspected frequently should 

 have the corks replaced with cotton plugs and be placed upside down 

 in a jar large enough to hold several vials, and the jar partially filled 

 with the preservative. 



Pinned specimens should be housed in pestproof boxes. Standard 

 insect boxes, called Schmitt boxes, are recommended. If other boxes, 

 such as cork-lined cigar boxes, are used, they must be examined fre- 

 quently for evidence of pest damage and fumigated periodically. Even 

 pestproof boxes should be fumigated occasionally, lest a pest gain 

 entrance and damage all the specimens. Most entomological institu- 

 tions store their collections in glass-top drawers fitted with cork-lined 

 trays of various sizes which can be shifted and arranged without the 

 necessity of repinning specimens. 



PROTECTION FROM PESTS 



A few simple precautions against museum pests, such as carpet 

 beetles, are a necessary part of the care of material not preserved in 

 liquid. Naphthalene, which may be obtained as ordinary moth balls 

 or in flake form, is inexpensive and satisfactory as a repellent, but 

 it will not kill pests once they have gained access to the collection. 



