72 



PRESERVING INSECTS. 



tunity of seeing him, as the moon shone through 

 apertures where windows had once been, I never 

 could be certain that I saw him make a positive 

 attempt to quench his thirst from my veins, though 

 he often hovered over the hammock* 



ON PRESERVING INSECTS SELECTED FOR 

 CABINETS. 



I ONLY know of two methods to guard prepared 

 insects from the depredations of living ones. The 

 first is, by poisoning the atmosphere ; the second is, 

 by poisoning the preserved specimens themselves, 

 so effectually, that they are no longer food for the 

 depredator. But there are some objections to both 

 these modes. A poisoned atmosphere will evaporate 

 in time, if not attended to, or if neglected to be 

 renewed ; and there is great difficulty in poisoning 

 some specimens, on account of their delicacy and 

 minuteness. If you keep spirits of turpentine in the 

 boxes which contain your preserved specimens, I am 

 of opinion that those specimens will be safe as long 

 as the odour of turpentine remains in the box ; for 

 it is said to be the most pernicious of all scents to 

 insects. But it requires attention to keep up an 

 atmosphere of spirit of turpencine. If it be allowed 

 to evaporate entirely, then there is a clear and un- 

 disputed path open to the inroads of the enemy : he 

 will take advantage of your absence or neglect; and 

 when you return to view your treasure you will find 



