ABOUT CLEANING OILY SPECIMENS OF LIPIDOPTERA, ETC

Extract

If a specimen becomes oily, it is generally believed that its beauty can never again be restored; but with a trifling cost and a little labor, any specimen will in a short time have again its former lustre, without injury to the insect. This remedy has been tried on the most tender Diurnals, as well as on Sphinges and Noctuids; it can be used on every insect. Should a specimen be oily throughout, body and wings, it may be put in the following fluid: One part of sulphuric ether to two parts of the strongest alcohol, and left therein for about 24 hours. Should the specimen be very oily, another bath may have to be applied. Should this second bath, after removing the insect, be only slightly discolored, the insect may be put in the last bath, which consists of pure sulphuric ether, in which it is left a few hours only. After being taken out and partly dried, it is put on the spreading board.