S-1141001_COMPLETO.pdf

21,
APHORISMATA ENTOMOLOGTCA.
the smallest groove, the largest-sized the largest, and so on with the
intermediate ones in gradation. Let so much suffice for this mode or
extending insects.
In relaxing insects to remove a bad or too large pin, or to remove
such AA-hen relaxed for any otber additional purpose, do not push the
insect downwards towards the point of the pin, (which is to be done
against any hard surface,) but press it upwards, at least first, towards
the head of the pin, and then when once shifted it is easily taken out
altogether.' Otherwise in pressing downwards against the thorax of the
insect, you can hardly fail to injure the down.
The pieces of silver paper are first to be made of a square shape,
and then one corner should be torn off, which part should be placed
against the base of the fore wings, and thus they will be found to lie
better upon them, and be more readily kept in place by the first
Avindings of the thread. "Creole experto.'"
Another advantage of the silver paper is, that if tho wings be completely
covered with it, as they should be, no dust can accumulate upon them
previous to the insects being placed for safety in the cabinet. This is
no small advantage, for, even if ever so carefully kept otherwise, some
amount of the evil so much to be guarded against cannot but befal.
If you are at all in haste to have any relaxed specimens dried, you
can accomplish the object by placing them within your fender, namely,
if the fire in the grate be lighted; but observe, for good effect in this
process, the wings should be completely covered and well held down
in every part Avith the silver paper, as otherwise they might and would
spring up out of place here and there, in a manner the very reA-erse
of desirable.
Item.—-They should not be taken off too soon, but. to speak scientifically,
the caloric absorbed should be suffered gradually to evaporate; in plain
English, they should be left untouched till quite cool again.
But—Memento—beware of sparks, and do not stir your fire while
the insects are drying before it. If you are a lady, (and I am happy
to .know that there are Entomological Lube-?, and happy to think that
there may be some such among my readers.) take my advice, and never
stir the fire at all. There are several good and Aveighty reasons for
this advice; one is, if I may be pardoned for saying so, that no woman
ever could stir a fire. Do not, therefore, try—be content Avith excelling
men in many important particulars; and "assure yourselves of my high
consideration."