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, 
— I 
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 I 
as the odour of turpentine remains in the box ; for I 
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 turpentine. If it be allowed 3 
to evaporate entirely, then there is a clear and un- j i 
disputed path open to the inroads of the enemy : he i 
will take advantage of your absence or neglect; and | : 
when you return to view your treasure you will find* \. 
