REPTILES, BATRACHIANS, AND FISHES. 37 
this is ascertained, a small square piece of zinc is soldered over the 
hole. In order to make quite sure that the case is securely closed, 
it is turned upside-down, and left thus for the night, when it soon 
becomes manifest if any leak exists. 
Preservation of very Large Reptiles. 
1. Tortoises and Turtles. — It is no easy matter to kill a large 
Tortoise or Turtle which is to be prepared for a collection. The 
traveller will perhaps consider whether it may not be possible to 
bring the animal to Europe alive, as it can live for ten or twelve 
months without food in some corner of the ship. If this is im- 
practicable, a long knife should be thrust into the base of the neck 
in the direction of the heart, in order to sever some of the large 
blood-vessels. Both the skeleton and the skin of the same in- 
dividual may be preserved ; but if one or the other has to be 
sacrificed, it is of more importance to preserve the former. First 
the abdominal shield must be removed by sawing through the 
narrow isthmus on each side, and then carefully loosening with a 
knife the skin which is attached to the bone in front and behind. 
A straight cut is made along the middle of the skin from the chin 
backwards ; and after the skin has been turned aside to the right 
and left, it is easy to remove all the soft parts, as well as the 
greater part of the muscles of the neck, extremities, shoulder-blades, 
and pelvis. The head is the only part which is troublesome, as, in 
removing the soft parts, skin and bones may be easily injured. If 
the skin is to be preserved, as well as the carapace and the bones, 
the whole of the inner surface must be painted with arsenical soap. 
Finally, all the parts are bent back into the hollow of the carapace, 
and allowed to dry in that position. When they are dry, the 
plastron is restored to its natural position, and is retained there by 
tying a string round the carapace. This method may also be adopted 
in the case of small Tortoises, if the traveller has to be very economical 
with his supply of spirit ■ otherwise small Chelonians can be placed 
bodily into spirits. 
2. Crocodiles and Lizards. — In the case of large Crocodiles and 
Alligators, it is impossible to preserve both the skin and the skeleton 
