180 ELEMENTARY LESSONS ON INSECTS 



Fig. 64. — A storage envelope. 



envelopes with the wings 

 closed together above the 

 back. The name of the in- 

 sect, locality and date of col- 

 lecting should be written on 

 the outside of the envelope. 



Specimens so "papered" 

 may then be preserved in- 

 definitely in any pest-proof 

 box. This is a very economical method for keeping 

 duplicate specimens, and it is used by the best entomologists 

 everywhere. These specimens may be "relaxed" (see p. 

 186) and mounted at any time later. 



For quick handling of small insects in large numbers (as 

 often obtained by sweeping, or from swarms) there is a 

 quicker and easier method. Get a small tin box and cut 

 rectangles of glazed sheet cotton to fit it inside. Place a 

 sheet of cotton in the bottom, then a thin layer of the insects, 

 as they come from the cyanide bottle, then other sheets of 

 cotton and layers of insects until the box is full. Then put 

 on the lid and keep it away from pests. Do not use loos* 

 cotton, for claws will hook in it and legs will be broken off; 

 or, place layers of tissue paper next the insects. The insects 

 will need to be relaxed before removal from the box. 



Where to collect. — Insects are everywhere; but particular 

 kinds, such as this course demands — even the commonest 

 kinds — must be sought in particular places. Here are a few 

 suggestions as to the sources. 



