METHOD OP RELAXING INSECT?. 
32 X 
Those known species that are subject to grease, should have the 
contents of the abdomen taken out, and the cavity filled with cotton. 
Trichoptera, Nevroptera, Hymenoptera, and Diptera. — Most 
of the Libcltula require the contents of the abdomen to be taken out 
"’hen the insect is dead, as the body generally turns black within, a 
few days after death, without this precaution : the cavity may be filled 
Up with a roll of white paper or cotton : X have found this method to 
answer extremely well, and the colours are as brilliant as when the in- 
sect was alive. The larger species arc very powerful, and when col- 
lected they must be transfixed through the side and placed in the 
corked pocket-box ; a brace or two should be placed across the wings, 
to prevent their fluttering and breaking their wings or those of other 
insects which may be near them. They may be killed by being plunged 
in boiling water, or by a hot needle, as directed for Moths. The other 
species of this Order not being so large soon die, as well as those of 
the Orders Trichoptera, Hymenoptera, and Diptera. They may be set by 
braces and pins, as in pi. 12. Jig. 4. In some species of the Diptera the 
colours of the body are very lively, but change after death; in these 
the colours may be preserved if the contents of the abdomen be re- 
moved, and the cavity filled with a powder the colour of the living in- 
sect. 
METHOD OF RELAXING INSECTS. 
It frequently occurs that insects become dead and stiff before the 
Entomologist has an opportunity of setting or displaying their parts. 
C oleoptem are easily relaxed by immersion in hot water; and in many 
instances this way is to be preferred, as the parts become more pli- 
able and are more easily set. — The Orthoptcra, Uemiptera, and Le - 
picloptera, must be fixed oil a piece of cork, and placed in a pan 
of water covered over; these, if the specimens are large, will fre- 
quently require two or three whole days before the wings will admit 
of replacing without the risk of breaking; care must be taken not to 
force the wings, or any part in fact, until the parts are perfectly re- 
laxed, when they may lie displayed and kept so by braces, as directed 
for recent specimens. Neuroptera , Hymenoptera, and Diptera, may be 
relaxed according to the latter method : but those insects that require 
the contents of the abdomen to be removed, can never be altered, and 
therefore must be preserved in a recent state, or their beauty is lost for 
ever. 
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