COLLECTING AND PRESERVING.

NOTES ON COLLECTING AND PRESERVING NATURAL-HISTORY OBJECTS.

BY
J. E. Taylor, F.L.S., F.G.S.
E. F. Elwin.
Thos. Southwell, F.Z.S.
Dr. Knaggs.
E. C. Rye, F.Z.S.
J. B. Bridgman.
Professor Ralph Tate, F.G.S.
Jas. Britten, F.L.S.
Professor Buckman, F.G.S.
Dr. Braithwaite, F.L.S.
Worthington G. Smith, F.L.S.
Rev. Jas. Crombie, F.L.S.
W. H. Grattann.

EDITED BY
J. E. TAYLOR, PhD., F.L.S., F.G.S., &c.

NEW EDITION.

LONDON:
W. H. ALLEN & CO., 13 WATERLOO PLACE. S.W.

1883.

(All rights reserved.)

PREFACE.

The following Essays were originally contributed to the pages of 'Science-Gossip,' by the various writers whose names they bear. From the constant queries relating to subjects of this kind, it was deemed advisable to furnish young or intending naturalists with such trustworthy information as would enable them to save time, and gain by the experience of others. For this purpose, the articles have been collected in their present portable form as a Handbook for beginners.

May, 1876.

CONTENTS.

COLLECTING AND PRESERVING.

I.

GEOLOGICAL SPECIMENS.

By J. E. Taylor, F.L.S., F.G.S.

The great end of natural-history reading should be the development of a love for the objects dwelt upon, and a desire to know more about them. This can only be brought about by such practical acquaintance as collecting and preserving them induces. At the same time we should be sorry to see our young readers degenerate into mere collectors! It is a great mistake to suppose, that because you have a full cabinet of butterflies, moths, or beetles, therefore you are a good entomologist; or that you may lay claim to a distinguished position as a geologist, on