S-1141001_COMPLETO.pdf

2 APHORISM ATA ENTOMOLOGICA.
When, in time, or by accident, the paper gets discoloured or damaged,
do not paper the drawer over again, but whitewash it, Avhich has an
excellent effect, both in making it whiter than it even Avas before, filling
up all pin-holes, destroying mites, if any, and stuffing up all those chinks
and crevices where they resort, and probably is a preventive of decay
and injury generally. Common whitening will do very well, and it may
be laid on Avith a common paint brush of a middle size. This, how­
ever, must be carefully done, as the more smoothly and evenly it is
Avashed over the drawer, the better of course it will look. It must
not be laid on too thick. A thin coating will hide most blemishes
when it is dry, but if the lines, of which presently, are intended to
be re-arranged, they had better be first rubbed out with a piece of
Indian-rubber. Flake-white used to be considered the best material to
make the Avash of, but it is rather expensive, and it will be found
that precipitated chalk, Avhich is sold for a penny an ounce at the
druggists, will answer the purpose as Avell, or better. Six pennyworth
of it Avill be enough for twenty drawers. It should be placed in a common
small basin, and boiling or cold water poured upon it, so as just to
cover it. Some good gum arable, dissolved, should then be added, as
size, to make it keep without rubbing off. A tablespoonful or two
will be enough for two or three ounces. This is also to be had ready
made at the druggists, and costs a mere trifle. More water may be
added from time to time, as required. Experience will soon teach the
right proportions of each of the ingredients. The paste on the paper
is a never-failing supply of food for the mites, and the lime in the
chalk is an excellent corrective.
To expel or destroy mites, invert the draAver, and place it, the
glass frame having been taken off, over a sheet of blotting-paper Avell
saturated with liquid naptha, for an hour or two. It is also recommended
to leave a few small globules of quicksilver loose in the draAvers.
Cork is the best thing to line the drawers Avith, but the following
is a cheap substitute, and easily procured and applied: —
Two-thirds of the best bees-wax; one-third of the best resin; to which,
in this climate, not being a very hot one, a little talloAv may be added.
llenew camphor in the drawers every three months.
If any mould arises on the antennae, wings, or bodies of any speci­
mens, a little cajeput oil will be found the best possible remedy. It
must be applied with a very small camel's hair brush. The best oil
should be procured, and, if possible, direct from the Apothecaries' Hall.