122 



HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP. 



larvae from their positions by the aid of a stick or 

 pole, in such a manner that they will fall into an 

 inverted umbrella or net ; or a sheet may be spread 

 beneath for their reception. Sweeping with a 

 strong net, passed from side to side with a mower. 

 like movement, is better adapted for working low 

 ground -herbage. The umbrella net, shown in 

 fig. 75, is, perhaps, the best for this purpose. It is 



FJsr- 75, Umbrella Net. 



constructed by hinging two lengths of jack-spring 

 on to two pieces of brass, and adapting them to 

 the stick of the net, the upper piece of brass being 

 fixed, the lower movable. 



When captured, larvae should be transferred to 

 chip boxes, or else to finely and freely perforated 

 tins, the latter better preserving the food. Avery 

 bandy box for the purpose is formed by fitting a 

 second lid on to the bottom of a chip box, and then 

 cutting from the second lid and bottom a hole, as 

 shown in fig. 76 (2); larvfe may then be inserted 

 through the hole; but when the lid is shifted round, 

 and the holes are not opposite, of course there will 

 be no opening, as in fig. 76 (1), and the contents 

 are secured from escape. 



1 ■ • -2 



Fig. 76- Box for Larvsc. 



Larva-preserving is carried out by first killing, 

 and then squeezing and extracting the contents 

 through the anal orifice by means of a crochet hook. 



AVhcn this has been done, the skin is inflated, but 

 not to such an extent as to distend the segments, 



and is kept thus inflated while it is being dried 

 in a heated metal chamber. Afterwards, if the 

 colours are observed to have faded, they may be 

 cautiously restored by the application of paint. 

 These objects, mounted on suitable artificial leaves, 

 are then ready for the cabinet. 



Chrysalis-collecting is conducted according to 

 the situation of the object sought. Some are to be 

 found in the chinks of bark or under loose bark, 

 which may be detached by means of a powerful 

 lever. Some are "suspended from trees, bushes, 

 copings, hanging bead downwards, or girded by 

 silken threads to low plants or walls ; others are to 

 be found in the stems or trunks of their food- 

 plants ; many are concealed in cocoons of more or 

 less perfect construction, others again amongst 

 fallen leaves, but the majority are to be met with 

 under the surface' of the ground ; in which case we 

 shall have to dig for them by the aid of a trowel or 

 broad chisel. The best situations for subtei'ranean 

 pupoe are open park-like fields, borders of streams, 

 open spaces in fir woods, and they are usually situ- 

 ated within a foot or so of the tree trunks, at the 

 depth of two or three inches, though sometimes 

 considerably deeper. Of course both larvae and 

 pupae of aquatic species will have to be sought for 

 in their element, among the plants they frequent. 



Chrysalis-preserving is a simple matter: the 

 pupae may be killed by plunging them into hot 

 water or by baking ; frequently, however, we find 

 that the natural polish disappears with death, and 

 this may be restored by varnishing. It is advisable 

 that the cocoons also, where practicable, should 

 be preserved, to give a notion of their appearance 

 in nature. 



Moths and butterflies may be sought for at rest 

 or on the wing. They may be disturbed from their 

 hiding-places or they niny be attracted by various 

 alluring baits. 



At rest on stems of grasses and other plants, 

 butterflies may be taken on dull, sunless days ; but it 

 requires some experience to detect a butterfly with 

 its wings raised up over its back : the little " Blues " 

 may thus be freely l)oxed in their localities. Again, 

 such butterflies as hjbernate may be found in old 

 sheds and outhouses, or under stacks. 



Moths may be taken at rest on tree trunks, 

 palings, and walls, or amongst foliage and ground 

 herbage. Some species are to be freely captured 

 in this way after their evening flight is over. Of 

 course, for evening work, a lantern to assist our 

 vision will be indispensable. 



On the wing, some butterflies arc exceedingly 

 active, others comparatively sluggish; some fly 

 high, others low. In hunting them, the chief points 

 to be remembered are not to alarm, but rather 

 cautiously to stalk our game, and strike, when we 

 have an opportunity, with precision. It is import- 

 ant also to avoid throwing a shadow over them, 



