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INSECT LIFE. 



holding the net in a vertical position between the 

 feet, and overturning the stones in the bed of the 

 stream in front of the net with a hoe or garden rake. 

 If the current is swift enough many of the insects 

 that live beneath such stones will be swept into the 

 net. 



SUGARING. The method of collecting insects 

 known among entomologists as sugaring is one of 

 the most important to the collector of night-flying 

 moths. Other insects can be taken in this way, but 

 not in so great numbers as moths. A paste is made 

 of sugar and water. Unrefined sugar is the best for 

 this purpose, as it has a stronger odor than white 

 sugar. The paste should be thin enough to be used 

 with a brush, but not so thin that it will flow from 

 the objects to which it is applied. This paste is ap- 

 plied immediately after sunset to the trunks of trees, 

 to fences, and to other suitable objects. In each case 

 a patch about two inches wide and several inches 

 long is made. After dark these baits are visited by 

 the collector, who carries a lantern and several cyanide 

 bottles. One bottle is needed for storing the speci- 

 mens after they have become quiet, and several bot- 

 tles for collecting. Some collectors use a dark lan- 

 tern, but an ordinary lantern will serve the purpose. 

 This should be hung on the left arm, leaving both 

 hands free to manipulate the collecting bottle. 



If a patch of sugar be approached cautiously, 

 usually the light can be directed upon it without dis- 

 turbing the moths that are there feeding. If a speci- 

 men is seen that is desired, the cork can be removed 

 from the collecting bottle with the left hand and the 

 bottle placed over the specimen. The insect will 



