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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