1 
destroying their colors. The beetle tribe may be killed by im- 
mersion in spirits of wine, or hot water ; and also, (as well as 
other insects,) by touching their heads with spirits of turpentine ; 
or by putting them under an inverted tumbler, and filling it with 
sulphur fumes, by means of lighted matches held under one edge, 
placed near the end of the table. All insects, save butterflies, and 
those consisting of a soft substance, may be packed in boxes, by 
making alternate layers of sand and insects. Butterflies must be 
pinned into boxes ; and spiders, ants, and other soft animals, put 
into spirits. Procure, when possible, the caterpillar of the butter- 
fly. If only the former be met with, it should be put in a box hav- 
ing a small air-hole, and be furnished with such leave as it feeds 
upon. It will eventually transform itself. The eggs, and various 
productions should be obtained ; also a male and female ; a speci- 
men of the plants on which they feed, &c. Those used in medi- 
cine, in dyeing and other processes, are more especially to be pro- 
cured, and all information relating to them collected. 
GENERAL REMARKS. 
In packing skins, care should be taken to dislodge all insects ; 
then wash. the inside with No. 2 or 3, or pass over it with a brush 
dipped in spirits of turpentine ; and pack in cotton or other light 
article, imbued with camphor, turpentine, or similar substances. 
For want of these, use a strong decoction of bitter and aromatic 
herbs ; besprinkling both sides with powdered tobacco or alspice. 
The box containing them should be covered with pitch, to exclude 
air and moisture. Previous to putting subjects into bottles, they 
should be freed from all filth and dirt wherewith they may be soiled. 
Care should also be taken to have them properly suspended, so as 
not to touch the bottom of the vessel, as this will be liable to occa- 
sion their destruction, by the mucous there deposited. If the glass 
be large, and the specimens small, several of the latter might be 
put into one vessel, by suspending them at different heights. A 
small incision should be made in the bellies of animals, with a spi- 
nal column, that the liquor may have access to the interior. Some 
few days after immersion, the vessels are to be filled up, in order 
to supply the deficiency of fluid, and to insure a more perfect pre- 
servation. They are then to be corked, and sealed as directed, 
under the article Cement; No. 8. All zoological specimens, when 
packed, ought to be numbered, and a corresponding number enter- 
ed into a book, where should be noted all the particulars relating 
thereto, that can be obtained ; such as the name of the animal ; 
the uses to which it, (or the several parts of it,) is put ; whether 
employed for food ; is innocuous or poisonous ; docile or fero- 
cious ; its haunts ; its habits ; whether any peculiar qualities be 
attributed to it, &c. &c. These numbers should be made in a 
manner not easily to be destroyed ; the best way would be to cut 
them on wood ; deeply mark them on tin ; or paint them on either* 
For many reasons written labels would not be suitable. 
