REPTILES, BATRACHIANS, AND FISHES. 35 
specimens are ready to be finally packed. The spirit, which gets 
weaker with every specimen immersed in it, has to be renewed 
occasionally. These cases are very convenient and practical ; but 
they can be replaced by simpler arrangements, such as common 
earthenware jars closed with cork or rubber. The conditions 
which any such vessels ought to fulfil are: (1) that they are 
spacious ; (2) that they have a wide opening ; and (3) that they 
can be closed tightly so that the spirit cannot evaporate, but yet 
that they can easily be opened at any moment. 
Specimens which are to remain permanently packed or to be sent 
home should be placed in zinc cases, of varying sizes, with closely 
fitting wooden outer covers. But these cases must not be made too 
large, because the specimens might suffer if the pressure of the 
contents was too great, and because the risk of damage to the cases 
themselves increases in proportion to their size. Such a case ought 
not to have a greater internal capacity than 18 cubit feet at the 
utmost ; and when the specimens require the length of the case to be 
increased, the depth or breadth must be reduced in proportion. The 
traveller may take a certain number of cases ready made with him, 
packing them with articles needful for the journey; or, to save space, 
he may take only zinc plates cut to the proper size, which he can put 
together when required : the wooden outside boxes may be obtained 
almost anywhere. But under all circumstances he must provide 
himself with a soldering- apparatus, after having learnt its use. A 
pair of shears for cutting the zinc is also useful. 
Wooden casks are unsuitable, especially in hot countries, for the 
transport of specimens in spirit. They should not be employed, 
except in cases of necessity, or for packing large or salted specimens. 
Very small specimens, or those which are specially liable to be 
damaged, must not be packed with larger ones, but must be kept 
separately in small bottles or jars. In closing these, sealing-wax 
should never be used, as spirit readily dissolves it. 
Method of preserving. — All reptiles — except large Turtles, Crocodiles 
and Alligators above 4 feet long, and Snakes above 10 feet long — 
are suitable for preserving in spirit. A deep incision should be 
made in the region of the stomach, and a second at some distance 
