314 SEASONS FOR COLLECTING INSECTS, 



found in moss and under it : the roots and wood of decayed trees af- 

 ford nourishment and a habitation to a number of insects ; many of 

 the larvae of the Lepidoptera penetrate the trunks of trees in all direc- 

 tions : most of tlie Ceraml)yces feed on wood, as well as some species 

 of Curubidic, Elatcridcc, 6,x. In seeking lor tliese tlie disiger is gene- 

 rally used, as it is sometimes necessary to dig six or seven niches into 

 the wood before they are found. 



Banks of Ponds and Roots of Grass. — This is a never-failing 

 source of collecting, which may be followed at all seasons of the year, 

 and in general with great success: those banks are to be preferred 

 which have the morning or noon-day sun: the Entomologist may sit 

 down and collect with the greatest ease an immense number of Slu- 

 philinkla-. Fsclaphi are generally taken in those situations. 



Banks of Rivers, Sandy Sea Shores, Sec. — These situations are 

 productive of a great variety of Culcople/v, Ci'istacca, ^x. The dead ani- 

 mals that are thrown on the shores should be carefidly examined, as 

 they are the food of SiJphiad.r, StaphUutidie, S^c. .May and June are the 

 best times for collecting in these situations. 



Dead Animals, Dried Bones, &;c. should constantly be examined, 

 as tliese are the natural habitats of several insects. Dead moles arc fre- 

 quently found hung on bushes l)y the country people; mider these the 

 Entomologist should hold his net, and shake the boughs on which they 

 are hung, as a great number of C'oleoptcra generally inhabit them. 



Fungi, Boleti, and Flowers, ought constantly, when met with, 

 to be examined, as many exceeding rare insects inhabit them. 



SEASONS FOR COLLECTING. 



January, February, and March. — It is not every Entomologist 

 that will collect at this early sea'-on oi" the year, under the impression 

 that but few insects can be olitained : this is true in some measure : 

 how^ever, I have collected throughout the year and in all seasons, for 

 many years, and my labours liave been repaid with success much 

 beyond my hopes or expectations. I have repaired to the woods when 

 in some parts I have been up to my knees in snow, and, strange to sav, 

 have taken insects from under the bark of trees, moss, &:c. in great 

 numbers, and of species which have been considered scarce even in 

 the summer months. 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 examined, by shaking it 

 over a sheet of paper, upon which the insects will fall, and are easily 

 discovered. 



At this season also, if the weather is mild, the Entomologist should 



