280 PROCEEDINGS: BOSTON SOCIETY NATURAL HISTORY. 
3 pounds per 100 cubic feet — carbon tetrachloride and chloro- 
form are not as reliable nor as cheap. 
Owing to the weight of the specimens, cases for Orthoptera 
should be lined with cork, either natural or compressed, because 
it holds the pins more satisfactorily than any other material. 
Very large specimens should be steadied by pins placed at the 
sides of the body. For small specimens mounted on very slender 
pins, selected peat or pita pith are preferable, allowing the inser- 
tion of the pin more readily and with less danger to the specimen. 
The Schmitt box is of convenient size for study. A larger case, 
15 by 18 inches with a glass cover (the museum type) is desirable 
for exhibition and when large numbers are to be provided for. 
My personal collection is arranged chiefly on blocks of com- 
pressed cork, and of peat covered with white paper, four and a 
half by seven and a half inches; 12 blocks (6 by 2) in a wooden 
tray two inches deep, 12 trays in a metal case whose cover clamps 
on so tightly as practically to exclude dust, dampness, and 
insects. This method gives facihty of access to a large number at 
once, convenience of handling in rearrangement and study (a 
block or tray at a time), and as much safety as practicable. 
It is not adapted to exhibition nor to examination by unskilled 
persons. 
Packing of pinned specimens. — Whenever it is desirable to ship 
pinned specimens special pains must be taken to ensure safe 
delivery. If possible, don't ship them! — carry them, or send by 
some careful hand. In the rough handling to which specimens 
are subjected by mail and express, heavy specimens are likely to 
become dislodged and run amuck, laying waste the entire con- 
tents of the box; or hind legs fall off and start on a career of their 
own. To prevent as far as possible such doings, — 1st, select a 
strong, cork-lined box with lining firmly fixed in place; 2d, lay a 
piece of split cotton wadding, fuzzy side up, on the bottom of the 
box to entangle wandering members; 3d, pin all specimens firmly 
into the cork and hold in place with pins crossed over body; and 
4th, pack in a large, strong, outer container with plenty of elastic 
material, such as excelsior, between the two. 
I have received and sent pinned specimens by mail with perfect 
success, — and with no success! I have done the same b}^ express 
with no better results; but usually, if the packing is correctly 
