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HINTS IN REGARD TO MAILING LIVING INSECTS. 
' Field agents and other employees in the Field as well a 
sspondents frequently send specimens of insects to the partment 
m@tectly packed so that the insects escape in the mails and nothing 
hes the Bureau but a crushed box or a box showing a nole through 
h the insects escaped. Paper boxes should never be used for sending 
ng Specimens unless inclosed in a stouter wooden box. Tin boxes are 
ma Only for short trips from nearby points. When specimens are sent 
; distances, as for example, from soutnern Texas, Florida or the 
fic Coast, tin boxes should pe discarded and old cigar boxes used 
| which the inner wrapping, which frequently smells strongly of 
cco, should be removed. Excelsior cr moss, preferably the former, 
uld be used in packing and a minimum amount of food should be placed 
the box for the journey. We sometimes receive cutworms and other cater- 
lars, grubs and maggots in first-class shape when packed in this manner 
Ph long distances. There is no harm whatever in making holes in the box, 
8 frequently done ty casual correspondents. They think it necessary. 
Sthe insects to breathe. This is not so, but the holes do afford a 
“tain amount of ventilation which prevents the food from becoming put- 
‘and thus causing the death of the insects themselves. Packages should 
Seeewe sent so that they will not be left over in the local office, 
seity post office of Washington or in the postoffice connected with 
Department of Agriculture. In other words, the sending should he so 
sd that the contingency cited, which almost invariably results in the 
8 of valuable specimens, should be avoided. For example, if samples 
(sent from Celifornia in the middle of the week they will come direct 
ae the mails and reach their destination at Washington without being 
OVer in superheated rooms both in summer and Winter. 
_ Each: package as well as accompanying letters should be plainly 
ed With the name and address of the sender, and some statewent in re- 
‘to the°contents:of the package should be placed just inside where 
will attract attention, and reference should always be made in a 
arate letter of transmittal. This precaution is necessary because of 
(large amount of mail which arrives some days, especially in the 
mer months. 
3 As much as 20-pound packeges may be sent under frank without 
bkage, but where passible it is best to keep within the limits of four 
f ve pourds. Specimens of insect-work, such as affected leaves, stems 
other parts of the plant, should always be sent separate (not with 
insects), and in wany cases it is desirable to dry the plants by 
ang ing them between drying papers or large blotters under heavy 
Xe. 
$s special 
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