INTRODUCTIOX. 9 



the vouno^ shoots and leaves of the laurel, o:athere(l 

 when quite dry and chopped fine. 



The best way to kill beetles brought home alive, 

 unless they are soft, finely pubescent, or of delicate 

 colouring, is to plunge them into boiling water ; but 

 this must be done rapidly, or the beetle will be softened 

 and easily come to pieces. 



Beetles killed with cyanide of potassium must not 

 be left in the bottle lono^ and should soon be taken 

 out and set ; and those treated with boiling water 

 should also be set immediately ; but those killed with 

 ether may generally be left till next day, as this 

 substance tends to keep them longer relaxed ; whilst 

 the specimens in spirit will often keep in the bottle for 

 weeks or months. 



After it has been killed the beetle should be placed 

 on blotting-paper, and a pin stuck through the right 

 wing-case. It is then transferred to a thick piece of 

 cork or turf covered with paper, and the legs and 

 antennae are spread out with pins and propped in 

 the position seen on the plates. The beetles will be 

 dry in a day or two (soonest in hot weather), and can 

 then be transferred to the collection. 



