16 
The traveller will find it very convenient to carry about him a vial 
having a broad mouth, closed by a tight cork. In this, should be 
contained a piece of camphor, or, still better, of sponge, soaked in 
ether, to kill the insects collected. From this, the specimens should 
be transferred to other bottles. 
Ether will be found most effective in killing all insects that cannot 
or ought not to be immersed in alcohol. All those that can support 
the immersion in this liquid without injury may readily be killed in 
The camphor should always be fixed in the box containing insects, 
as it would break the feet and antennae of the latter if in a loose and 
crystalline state. It may be kept in a piece of muslin or canvas, and 
then pinned at the bottom of the box. 
Marine shells, crabs, worms, sea cucumbers, star fishes, sea urchins, 
and polypes should be put in spirit and in small vessels, so as to 
prevent too great pressure. Sea urchins and star fishes may also be 
dried after having been previously immersed for a minute or two in 
boiling water, and packed up in cotton, or any soft material which 
may be at hand. 
The hard parts of corals, and shells of mollusca may alone be pre- 
served in a dried state. The soft parts are removed by immersing 
the animals for a minute or two in hot water, and washed clean after- 
Fig. 1. 
Fig. 2. 
this way. 
