264 
THE WEEKLY ENTOMOLOGIST. 
in the art of preserving our collec- 
tions ; nor does it seem consistent 
that, as followers of the science, we 
should give so little heed to effectu- 
ally preserve that which has been 
called “Nature’s Library of the 
Science.” 
I would also remind contributors 
that this subject, unlike “lists” of 
this or that order, is not of ex- 
clusive interest, but should claim 
the attention of all who value the 
well-being of their own, or of the 
public collections of natural history ; 
even the coleopterist cannot feel 
that the imperishable looking forms 
he studies, are exempt from the 
common enemies and general 
imperfections of the system. The 
Museum in this town offers sad, 
though far from solitary instance of 
this. Students of the science, with 
plenty of time at their free disposal 
and the ready means of procuring 
local and other species, by an ever 
changing field of laboui’, may neglect 
or afford to shelve this question by 
unceasing watchfulness, the replace- 
ment of ruined specimens, and the 
adoption of the soaking, boiling, 
and powdering process ; but there 
are many who have not opportuni- 
ties for so doing, and to them as 
well as for the sake of the collec- 
tions in our Ibcal and other museums, 
effective preservation, once and for 
all, is important beyond measure. 
I dare not trust myself to refer 
to the importance of this subject in 
connection with the enormous diffi- 
culties collectors in tropical, and 
some other countries, have to en- 
counter in forwarding to us those 
marvellous gems of insect life, that, 
when seen, fill us with an exquisite 
feeling of mingled wonder, grati- 
tude and praise. 
(To be continued). 
VOL. 2 OF THE 
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Road, near the Agricultural Hall, Islington, London, N. - Saturday, September 26, 1863. 
