49 
87 Solution of Corrosive Sublimate. This valuable solu- 
tion was, we believe, first introduced to notice by Mr. M'atterton, 
the celebrated naturalist and traveller. As a protection against 
the ravages of insects, on preserved specimens, either animal or 
vegetable, it is more efficient, and convenient of application, 
than any other at present in use. It is made by adding from a 
dram to a dram and a half of corrosive sublimate to half a pint 
of the strongest spirit of wine, (alcohol.) This solution may 
be applied with a camel-hair pencil to the bodies of insects; 
indeed, many of them, particularly the coleopterous class, may 
be wholly immersed in it a few seconds. Large animals should 
be washed over with it on all parts most likely to be attacked ; 
and the entire surface of the feathers of birds should be carefully 
brushed over with this protecting fluid. If the solution be made 
too strong it will leave the appearance of a fine white powder on 
the dark coloured parts; it should, therefore, be first tried by- 
applying it to some black substance; and if, when dry, the so- 
lution appears to have communicated any degree of whiteness to 
it, more spirit must be added. If the solution has any mixture 
of small particles or impurities, it should be carefully strained, 
or poured from such matter. 
88 Anatomized Leaves. The exquisitely beautiful structure of 
the vascular system of leaves can be duly appreciated by those 
only who have seen specimens properly prepared. iNIarcus Au- 
relius Severinus, who published, in 1645, a description of the 
skeleton leaf of cactus opuntia, is said to have been the first to 
adopt an artificial method of preparing these interesting objects 
of vegetable structure. Although we have seen directions for 
effecting this, we could not, confidently, publish them ; but by 
the favour of W, T. Iliff, Esq. of Newington, we are enabled to 
gratify our readers. lie has, obligingly, sent us beautiful speci- 
mens of leaves, completely cleared of their cuticle and pulpy 
matter, exhibiting the most exquisite network of vessels that can 
be imagined; and also the following directions for preparing 
them. He says. Many individuals who have seen the fibrous 
structure of vegetables, have expressed much admiration at their 
beauty, and regret at the difficulty attending the preparation of 
the same. I am induced, therefore, to state to your readers, 
that the difficulty rests with themselves. If the seed-vessel of 
the datura stramonium or hyoscyamus niger ; the calyx of the 
ISS. AUCTARICM. 
