FOREST LIFE. 



209 



few distinct types. The long, narrow, and more or 

 less winding mines are described as linear mines. 

 Some of these are very narrow at their beginning 

 and gradually enlarge, resembling in outline a ser- 

 pent ; frequently the larger end is terminated by a 

 blotchlike enlargement, suggesting a head. Such 

 mines are termed serpentine mines. The leaves of the 

 wild columbine are often marked by serpentine mines 

 (Fig. 177). Other mines that start from a narrow be- 

 ginning enlarge more 

 rapidly and extend in 

 a more or less regu- 

 lar curve ; these are 

 trumpet mines. 



The breeding of 

 leaf - miners is at- 

 tended by the same 

 difficulties as the 



breeding of leaf-roll- 

 ers mentioned above. 

 But with a little care 

 mines can be selected 

 in which the larvae 

 are so nearly full grown that they will complete their 

 transformations if the branch bearing the mined 

 leaves be placed in water or damp sand in a breeding 

 cage. When the adult insects are reared, great care 

 will be necessary in mounting them on account of 

 their minute size. See page 298 for directions for 

 mounting small insects. 



A very instructive collection can be made by 

 pressing mined leaves, and mounting them as botan- 

 ical specimens are mounted. Each specimen should 



FIG. 177. Leaf with serpentine mines. 



