FIELD BOOK OF INSECTS. 



be put on a separate label. Similar labels should all 

 be the same height on the pin throughout the collec- 

 tion. This is easily accomplished by sticking the pin 

 first through the label then into a hole of a given depth 

 or cork of a given thickness, thus pushing the labels up 

 to a uniform height. 



STORAGE BOXES AND CARE OF COLLECTION 



Since certain members of a family of beetles (Der- 

 mestidce) are given to eating dried insects, the storage 

 boxes should have tight-fitting lids. Except for that, 

 almost anything will do. Cigar boxes are not bad if 

 carefully watched, but better boxes can be purchased at 

 reasonable prices from dealers. Glass-topped drawers 

 are nice but not necessary. Whatever sort of box is used, 

 the bottom, inside, should be covered with something 

 which is soft enough to allow a pin to enter easily but 

 which will hold the pin when it is once in. The com- 

 pressed cork of the dealers is best. Sliced cornstalk is 

 used by some beginners but two layers of the corrugated 

 paper, such as bottles are packed in, is better than corn- 

 pith. The layers should be placed so that the corrugations 

 run at right angles to each other. 



In spite of precaution, Dermestids may get in; although 

 camphor balls or flaked naphthalene will help to keep them 

 out. If camphor balls are used, first heat the head of an 

 ordinary pin and, while hot, push the head into the ball. 

 When cool, it will be solid and the ball can be pinned into 

 the box. If Dermestids do get in, they may be killed by 

 pouring into the box about a teaspoonful of carbon bisul- 

 phide and closing the lid down tightly. Remember that 

 the bisulphide is very inflammable. 



PACKING INSECTS IN THE FIELD 



It frequently happens that the collector cannot attend 

 to his catch at once, or possibly for months. Of course 

 those things which are" collected in alcohol may remain 

 there. Butterflies and the like should be put into tri- 

 angular envelopes. The manner of making these is shown 



24 



