xii IXTRODL'CTION. 



corresponding with the ferrule, can be inserted when the net is not required. When required 

 for use the net can be screwed on. It consists of an iron ring of about eighteen inches to 

 two feet in diameter with a fine green gauze bag sewn on it, about two and a half to three 

 feet long and tapering nearly to a point. The ring is jointed so as to fold as shown in the 

 figure, and once again, so that it can be placed in the pocket. The gauze is attached to 

 a strip of stouter material, which is sewn round the ring. A stronger net with a stouter ring 

 and stiffer gauze may be used to sweep caterpillars from the grass. 



The forceps net (Fig. 5) consists of a metal forceps with the two arms ending in rings, 

 filled up with wire netting. With a little practice it will be found easy, with this instrument, 

 to catch small insects, sitting on tfowers or leaves, but it is somewhat difficult to take them 

 out of the net. It has the advantage, however, that certain species (such as Syrichthus) 

 when caught with the forceps are unable to flutter about and can be easily impaled with 

 a pin. When this is done the forceps is opened, the pin is grasped by the point and the 

 thorax is pinched with the fingers or with a special forceps intended for the purpose; this 



/' 



?■ 3- 



Fig. 4. 



is pointed and is made of good steel (Fig. 6). The forceps net, however, is seldom used in 

 England, at least for Lepidoptera. 



The collector also requires insect pins and chip boxes for small insects, as well as 

 collecting-boxes. All these articles can be obtained from any natural liistory dealer. 



The collecting-boxes must be lined with cork or peat. One of the best is a small tin 

 box with a piece of cork or turf fixed in the bottom and in the lid. 



A bottle of chloroform or sulphurous ether may be carried in order to kill thick-bodied 

 moths, which would be spoiled by pinching. 



To catch small moths a number of small glasses something like short test-tubes may 

 be used, one moth being secured in each and brought home alive, when they may be killed by 

 dropping a small quantity of ether into the tube and corking it up; the moth can then be 

 pierced with a fine pin. 



Collecting at night with the lamp or lantern is often practised with very good results. 

 A lamp with a round burner and a reflector is the best. This should be placed in an 

 elevated position with a white sheet on the ground beneath it, off which tlie moths may 

 be picked by the forceps net or in glasses. 



The other means employed for catching night-flying moths is by "sugaring." The fact 

 that moths are attracted by strongly scented flowers and sweet substances first suggested the 

 preparation of artificial bait. A good preparation consists of beer and honey in the proportion 



