38 
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLLECTING 
before the vent, so that a portion of the contents of the stomach and 
intestine, which might conduce to putrefaction, is emptied out, and 
the spirit is allowed free access to all internal parts. The specimens 
are then placed in one of the preparatory vessels or boxes described 
above. In a few days (or in hot climates after not more than one or 
two days) the specimens must be removed to a second vessel containing 
stronger spirit, and must remain there from eight to fourteen days. 
If they then appear to be sound and well preserved, they may be left 
in the same spirit till the time comes for finally packing them ; but 
if they are soft and flabby, and discharge mucous matter discoloured 
with blood, they must be placed for a longer or shorter time in fresh 
spii'it at least 10° above proof. Specimens which show distinct 
signs of putrefaction must be thrown away, as they endanger the 
whole contents of the box. Similarly, specimens which are already 
decomposing when obtained must not be taken for preserving unless 
disinfected by a solution of chloride of soda (a tablespoonful of the 
solution in one pint of water) poured into the mouth and injected in 
the stomach. 
Of course the spirit which is used in this preliminary process 
becomes weaker and weaker. So long as it is 15° under proof (or 
10° in hot climates) it can still be used for the first stage of 
preservation. If it sinks below this strength, it is of no further use 
to a collector who has not the means of redistilling, unless he filters 
it through powdered charcoal, and then brings it up again to the 
needful strength by the addition of very strong alcohol. Sediments 
on the bottom of the vessel or contaminated and badly smelling 
spirits are better thrown away. 
As soon as the collector has accumulated a sufficient quantity of 
well-preserved specimens, they should be sent home at the earliest 
opportunity. Tor transport home they must be wrapped separately 
in old unstained linen or paper, and packed as tightly as possible. No 
empty space should be left in the cases above or at the sides, so that the 
contents may receive no injury from the unavoidable shaking during 
transit. When the case is full, the cover is soldered down, after a 
hole of about half an inch in diameter has been made. The case is 
then filled through the hole with spirit 20° above proof, and care 
must be taken that all the air is driven out by the liquid; when 
