Taxidermy. 



343 



for the displaying of these parts. Butterfles for transmission to a 

 distance may simply be reduced to a small compass by pressure be- 

 tween the forefinger and thumb, bringing the upper surface of the 

 wings of each side in contact with those of the other, and doubling 

 back the antennas between them. The butterflies may then be en- 

 closed in a piece of paper folded up in a triangular form. After- 

 wards the recipient, by steaming it, or by placing it for some hours 

 over damp sand, can render the body sufficiently lax to enable him 

 to set it. With moths, however, as many have large soft bodies, 

 it is necessary with a pointed pair of scissors to make an opening 

 along the lower part of the abdomen, extract the intestines, pour in 

 a few drops of the solution of corrosive sublimate, and introduce a 

 little cotton wool to prevent the sides from coming in contact. They 

 may then be treated as butterflies. But if the object be to make a 

 collection of insects to be kept for personal gratification, the first 

 step should be to have prepared a wooden case of any convenient 

 size, about 2 J inches deep, with a close fitting lid. A very good 

 insect case can be made of millboard. If prepared cork cannot be 

 had, bottle corks may be cut into slices about three-eights of an 

 inch in thickness, and glued into the bottom of the box as close to- 

 gether as they can be placed. If there is any choice of pins they 

 should be as long and as slender as can be obtained. Beetles, which 

 may be procured in almost all situations, in ponds, under bark, 

 stones, and logs, on flowers and leaves, in dung and carrion, &c, 

 are best killed by being placed in a tin box with a lid, close to the 

 fire, when they will shortly be stifled, care being taken that they are 

 not burnt. This seemingly cruel process is by far the most humane 

 known to me, in the absence of chloroform or prussic acid. Beetles 

 may also be speedily killed by immersion for a few moments in boil- 

 ing water, or by dipping a phial containing them in the same. A 

 little experience will soon teach what process is best adapted for each 

 particular kind of beetle ; for example, none that are bright colored, 

 or have a mealy or downy surface, should be dipped i$to hot water. 

 When dead a pin should be stuck through the right wing-cover, 

 and after drying for a few days the beetle may be transferred to the 

 insect box. Flies, bees, wasps, <fec, may be treated in the same way. 

 Butterflies are readily killed by a pinch on the breast, when they 



