Collections and Collectors 



The genus Thanaos is one of the most difficult genera to work 

 out in the present state of our knowledge of the subject. The 

 species are not only obscurely marked, but they vary in the most 

 extraordinary manner. Except by a microscopic examination of 

 the genital armature, which can be carried on only when the 

 student possesses considerable anatomical knowledge and an 

 abundance of material, there is no way of reaching a satisfactory 

 determination in many cases. 



COLLECTIONS AND COLLECTORS 



In almost every community there is to be found some one 

 who is interested in insects, and who has formed a collection. 

 The commonest form of a collection is exceedingly primitive and 

 unscientific, in which a few local species are pinned together in 

 a glass-covered box or receptacle, which is then framed and hung 

 upon the wall. Almost every village bar-room contains some 

 such monstrous assemblage of insects, skewered on pins, in 

 more or less frightful attitudes. As evidencing an innate interest 

 in the beauties of natural objects, these things are interesting, but 

 show a want of information which, as has been already pointed 

 out, is largely due to a lack of literature relating to the subject in 

 this country. In many of the schools of the land small collections, 

 arranged more scientifically, have been made, and some of the col- 

 lections contained in the high schools of our larger towns and 

 cities are creditable to the zeal of teachers and of pupils. There 

 is no reason why every school of importance should not, in the 

 lapse of time, secure large and accurately named collections, not 

 only of the insects, but of the other animals, as well as the plants 

 and minerals of the region in which it is located. Every high 

 school should have a room set apart for the use of those students 

 who are interested in the study of natural history, and they ought 

 to be encouraged to bring together collections which should be 

 properly arranged and preserved. The expense is not great, and 

 the practical value of the training which such studies impart to 

 the minds of young people is inestimable. 



The great systematic collections in entomology in the United 

 States are for the most part in the hands of the museums and 

 universities of the country. The entomological collections of the 



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