6a 
THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE. 
Some of the species are nocturnal (as those who have slept 
in the open air in the woods during the warm months can 
bear painful testimony), and may be attracted by artificial 
light, as in the case of the moths, etc. Their larvae are 
found in various situations, some being aquatic, others 
feeding upon putrid flesh and fish ; they may be preserved 
in alcohol. 
In closing this chapter, I would impress upon the stu- 
dent the absolute necessity of labelling every specimen 
carefully, with the date and the locality in which it is 
found ; this may be done by numbers referring to a 
catalogue, as in birds and mammals, or upon a slip of 
paper. Also take notes of various circumstances relative 
to the habits observed at the time of capture, etc. 
The best substance to protect cabinet specimens from 
the attacks of injurious insects is benzine, placed in an 
open vessel in each drawer or box. Camphor is also 
good, but I think that its fumes tend to fade the brighter 
colors of moths and butterflies. Spirits of turpentine is 
good, but it evaporates much quicker than benzine. Car- 
bolic acid is, next to benzine, perhaps the best substance, 
if exposed in the same manner. 
To mount insects that have been dried, place them in a 
box containing wet sand, and let them remain until soft, 
when they are mounted as before directed. I am informed 
by Mr. F. G. Sanborn that a few drops of carbolic acid 
mixed with the water used in moistening the sand will 
prevent mould from forming upon them while they are 
being softened. The same preventive might be put in 
the water used in moistening the cotton for softening bird- 
skins. 
