314 SEASONS FOR COLLECTING INSr.CTS. 



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

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

 the larvie of the Lepkloptcm penetrate the trunks of trees in all direc- 

 tions : most of the Cerambyces feed on wood, as well as some species 

 of Carahiche, Elateridtc, 4c. In seeking for these the digger is gene- 

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

 the wood before they are found. 



Banks of Ponds and Roots of Guass. — This is a ncvcr-taililig 

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

 and in general with great success: those banks are to i)c preferred 

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

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

 jihUinida. Fschiphi are generally taken in those situations. 



Banks of Rivers, Sandy Sea Shoues, &c. — These situations are 

 productive of a great variety of Coleoptcni, Crustacea, ^c. The dead ani- 

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

 they are the food of Si/p/iinc/te, Slap/uliitidte, ^c. ISLiy and June are the 

 best times for collecting in these situations. 



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

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

 quently found hung on bushes by the country people; under these the 

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

 are hung, as a great number of Coleoptera generally inhabit them. 



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

 to be examined, as many exceeding rare insects inhai)it them. 



SEASONS FOR COLLECTING. 



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

 that will collect at this early season of the year, under the impression 

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

 however, I have collected throughout the year and in all seasons, for 

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

 beyond my hope;;, or expectations. I have repaired to the woods when 

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

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

 numl)f rs, 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 

 pver 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 



