246 FURTHER HINTS TO YOUNG ENTOMOLOGISTS. , . 



Coleopfera, often occur in this situation. Mr. Samouelle remarks* that, at this 

 season, " the entomologist should not omit to collect a quantity of Moss from the 

 roots of trees, which may be carried home in a pocket-handkerchief, and ex- 

 amined by shaking it over a sheet of paper, upon which the insects will fall, and 

 are easily discovered.'* Carabacea, Staph ylinacea, &c, may thus be obtained ; 

 together with a goodly admixture of Scolopendrce, Centipedes, Juli, &c, which, 

 not being now considered genuine insects, and having little interest attached 

 to them, may be dispensed with by the entomologist. During winter also, dig- 

 ging at the roots of trees, for pupse of Lepidoptera, may be recommended. 



With the opening of spring commences the main business as well as pleasure 

 of the naturalist. From April to August, a diligent " insect-hunter" will scarcely 

 allow a day to pass without adding to his stores. During these months insects 

 will be found plentifully in the following situations : — 



Woods may always be frequented with advantage. The bark of trees must 

 still be examined, as also the Moss at the roots. Many rare insects are obtained 

 by beating the branches over a net — the larger for this purpose the better. 

 Hedges may also be profitably?" beaten in the same manner. I have often obtained 

 rare species by shaking branches which over-hung a ditch. The insects fall into 

 the water, and may then be readily captured.- In the evening hedges are mucr 

 frequented by Phaloenacea, &c. Fields, Gardens, &c, abound with insects. It 

 these habitats the Papilionacea will be obtained. A great number of Dipfert 

 Hemipfera, and Coleopfera may easily be captured by dragging a strong net over 

 the long herbage. The roots of grass ought also to be well examined. Man;; 

 valuable species may be found in flowers, &c. Nettles, Docks, and leaves of 

 other indigenous plants, are always inhabited by quantities of Curculiondice, 

 Chrysomelidce, Halticce, &c. &c. Heaths, Commons, Sand-pits, &c, are fre- 

 quented by many species not found elsewhere. 'The same may be said of the 

 Banks of rivers, Margins of ponds, and Sea-shores. On the latter the rejecta- 

 menta will find good employment for the entomologist. Ponds must be dragged 

 for the Dyticidce, &c.,.with the net described at page 82 (5). Rushes, and other 

 aquatic plants are inhabited by the Donacece, &c, and therefore deserve attention. 

 In the same habitats Libellulacea will be met with. Decayed wood furnishes 

 food for numerous Cerambycidce, Stapkylinacect, &c. ; these often penetrate tc 

 the depth of several inches, and must therefore be obtained by the digger. 

 have always considered Church-yards as excellent hunting-grounds for the ento- 

 mologist. Hosts of insects may be captured in a few hours by removing the 

 Moss, Grass-roots, &c, at the foot of the grave- stones. At the risk, therefore, 



* Entomologist's Useful Compendium, p. 314 (1st. Edit.). 



