Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-10-03

of the jar. sprinkle with little water.
cover with a thin layer OF cotton, arrange
a suitable cover. and the outfit Is COM
plete. 1t is not advisable to place many
specimens loosely in the cyanide jar at the
same time. In packing large specimens
which are to be kept any length of time
before mounting it is well to place a piece
of paper between the wings.
To mount lepidoptera. pin each insect up
side down on Il smooth piece of wood or a
sheet of cork covered with glazed paper.
Draw the front wings up with the point OF
pin so that their upper edges form right
angle with the axis of the body. Then
draw up the hind wings 50 as to leave a
small space between the outer edges of the
front and back wings Hold them in place
by inserting tine-po!nted pin back of one
OF the large veins and PIN strips of paper
across the wings to keep the edges from
curling. Fasten the antennae in place with
pins, otherwise they will become displaced
in drying. Leave the insect on the board
until its body becomes firm. Always with
draw the pins from butterflies before dry
ing.
All the Same Way.
Moths, bees dragon flies. grasshoppers
and spiders may be treated in the same
way.
From scientific standpoint II is interest
ing to mount specimens with the larva, CO.
coon, etc. thus showing the life history.
This is an especially desirable way for
children to do. as 1t is an incentive to coll
lect and study the wonders OF ature which
the hitherto imperfect and expensive means
have made unattractive-
The botanical specimens, instead OF being
crushed between the leaves of a specimen
press. thereby running the natural appear
ance of the blossoms. may be carefully pre-
served by this new method.
Spread a sheet of absorbent cotton over
a layer of folded newspapers; then place
the plant flower which you wish to press
on the cotton. with the side down which
you wish TO show uppermost in the mount.
The delicate parts of the flower are thus
preserved instead of being crushed when
the ordinary method is used. The fia.-
faced flowers. such as daisies, may be-
placed face up.
A Careful Arrangement.
Several layers of blotting or newspaper
should be placed on top of the cotton after
the leaves and petals of the plant are in
the desired position. Successive layers may
BE- arranged in this manner. and not too
heavy weight placed on top of the pile.
Great care should be taken that the weight
IS not sufficient to crush the plant out Of
shape. The latter should be transferred to
another dry layer before final mounting.
Roots of plants should be washed thor
oughly before pressing. After they are
Pre- ssed mount soon as possible.
AS to the pictures, arrange to suit your
own taste.
The sight of the gaily covered fields is
denied to some always. and to others more
fortunate only occasional glimpse IS
afforded. BY such these pictures viii be
douby appreciated as ornaments for par
lor studio or den during the winter months
when the outside world is locked in the
embrace of Jack Frost.
Children are especially appreciative or
these pictures, and many an hour VIII be
be guled by them in mounting and framing
their treasures in passepartout which they
can soon be taught to do neatly. if some
experienced older. one will give them
little help.