The Capture, Preparation, and Preservation of Specimens 
the point where they settle, and then make them his prey. It 
is well in this work, as in all collecting, to proceed somewhat 
leisurely, and to keep perfectly cool. The caricature sometimes 
found in newspapers of the ardent lepidopterist running like a 
“ quarter-back ” across a ten-acre lot in quest of some flying insect 
does not represent the truly skilful collector, whose movements 
are more or less stealthy and cautious. 
THE BREEDING OF SPECIMENS 
By breeding it is possible to obtain specimens in the most 
perfect condition. Bred specimens which have not had an oppor¬ 
tunity to fly are always preferred on account of their freshness of 
color and perfection of form. A great many species which ap¬ 
parently are exceedingly rare may often be obtained in consider¬ 
able numbers by the process of breeding, the caterpillar being 
more readily found than the perfect insect. Although the process 
of breeding involves a good deal of labor and care, it affords a 
most delightful field for observation, and the returns are fre¬ 
quently of the very greatest value. 
How to Get the Eggs of Butterflies .—The process of breeding 
may begin with the egg. The skilful eye of the student will de¬ 
tect the eggs of butterflies upon the leaves upon which they have 
been deposited. The twig may be cut and placed in a vase, in 
water, and kept fresh until the minute caterpillar emerges, and 
then from time to time it may be transferred to fresh leaves of the 
same species of plant, and it will continue to make its moults 
until at last it is transformed into a chrysalis, and in due season 
the butterfly emerges. Eggs may frequently be obtained in con¬ 
siderable numbers by confining the female under gauze, with the 
t appropriate food-plant. A knowledge of the food-plant may 
often be obtained by watching the female and observing upon 
what plants she deposits her eggs. The exceedingly beautiful 
researches of Mr. W. H. Edwards were largely promoted by his 
skill in inducing females to oviposit upon their food-plants. He 
did this generally by confining the female with the food-plant in 
a barrel or nail-keg, the bottom of which had been knocked 
out, and over the top of which he tied mosquito-netting. 
The plant was placed under the keg. The insects thus con- 
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