THE notice in a recent number of the use of creosote by M. Holbein for the preservation of mollusca, &c., leads me to remark that I have found it of great value for the preservation of coleoptera and other insects. The solution of creosote and water appears to be quite as effectual a preservative as alcohol, and does not harden the tissues or cause discoloration. After an immersion of about a week the solution should be drained off, and the insects placed in tins and covered with sawdust. Probably small reptiles, &c., could equally well be preserved in this way, which would save the danger of leakage and breakage which now ruins so many consignments.