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112 Kolyer: Specimen embedment Vol. 21, no. 2
the species embedded did tend to be easily recognizable, as the Figure shows.
Admittedly, embedment is an undesirable method of preservation for specimens of particular importance not only because the insects are beyond retrieval for dissection but also because of the unnatural transparent appearance described above. However, embedded specimens are permanently protected from accidental breakage and pests and are decorative objects as well as excellent classroom displays to accompany the identification. Embedment may be useful when (1) a permanent view of the venation is desired, especially in relation to pattern (an advantage not afforded when the scales are scraped away to display the veins) and (2) the spatial relationship of upper side vs. under side wing patterns is of interest.
Literature Cited
Anonymous, no date. Transparent casting with "Plaskon" polyester resins; data sheet by Plastics Div., Allied Chem. Corp., P.O. Box 365, Morristown, New Jersey.
Anonymous, 1960. Embedding specimens in methacrylate resins; brochure, SP-46 by Rohm and Haas Co., Special Products Department, Washington Square, Philadelphia 5, Penn.
Holland, W. J., 1931. The Butterfly Book. Doubleday and Co., Inc., Garden City, New York.
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A NEW PORTABLE BLACK LIGHT
A new portable fluorescent lantern, the Safari Lite, has recently been marketed by the Burgess Battery Company. Although the lantern is sold with an 8 watt "white" light fluorescent tube, it will accept a standard 8 watt BL tube, and appears to be the first truly portable power source for black light collecting.
The Safari Lite operates on either two 69 volt D.C dry cell batteries or 110 volt A.C. The battery life is claimed to be 100 hrs. The total weight of lantern and batteries is only 9 lbs. The retail price of the lantern with batteries is about $30.00. However, the unit is generally available at discount stores for under $20.00. Replacement batteries can be purchased for about $6.00/pr which makes the cost of operation about 60/hr.
It is necessary to remove the plastic shield from the lantern for black light operation in order to avoid filtering the u.v. light. It is probably also desirable to remove the reflector from the lantern to allow 180 degree broadcast by the bulb. With relatively simple modifications it is also possible to use the Safari Lite as a separate "power pack" to operate a 6 watt or 8 watt BL bulb in a trap.
The advantages in cost and convenience of this new black light source over the cumbersome and inconvenient "portable" paraphernalia heretofore available are obvious. The only limitation appears to be in the restricted bulb size that can be operated by the unit.—John H. Hessel, 6655 Calle de San Alberto, Tucson, Arizona.
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