THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. 225 



tion, under wire sieves or covers, bringing them in in the spring in order 

 to have the Uttle moths emerge where they can more easily be chloro- 

 formed or transferred to the cyanide bottle. 



I must confess that I have never had signal success in rearing such 

 species of the TentJa-edinidce as transform under ground. I have in mind 

 more than a half dozen species — the larvae of which are most interesting — 

 of which I have so far failed to obtain the imagines, in spite of my utmost 

 care. 



The leaf and root-feeding beetles have always developed satisfactorily 

 for me, but the Cerambycidce, which feed on growing wood, have given 

 me much trouble, and, in many cases, failed me utterly. 



Orthoptera require but little care, as also do leaf-feeding Hemiptera, 

 but the Cannibal species of both these orders are more difficult to cater 

 to, and often refuse a diet that one would think would be irresistible. 

 This is especially true of the carnivorous bugs which I have found require 

 large space and ample provision to preserve them from fraternal rapacity. 



With the aquatic orders I have had but little opportunity for experi- 

 ment, but think they must furnish many very interesting subjects. 



I believe that costly insectaries are being constructed by many ento- 

 mologists, and no doubt will afford room for much thorough study of 

 forms and habits. But such costly appliances are not absolutely 

 necessary, and sometimes make observations more difficult than when the 

 conveniences are more primitive. 



A secure enclosure, fresh food, fresh air and clean water in the bottles 

 are almost the only requisites in rearing the herbivorous species, and the 

 more constantly the cage or jar is under observation the more thoroughly 

 of course are the history and habits of the species revealed to us. When 

 I wish to know all about a species, I keep the cage or jar on one corner 

 of my desk and watch its occupant in the intervals of other work. 



I cannot hope that I have conveyed much information in these notes 

 to those who have gone over the same ground, but I am at least sure that 

 I have recounted some of the experiences of every biological student of 

 insect life, and can sympathise in his disappointments and appreciate the 

 satisfaction of his successes. 



