Fig. 2. Equipment needed for collecting insects. 



losses incurred from its depredations, it 

 would seem imperative to know as much 

 as possible about them. The first step in 

 this direction would be to form a collec- 

 tion, at the same time attempting to learn 

 as much as possible about the immature 

 stages and the insects themselves. 



A job worth doing at all is worth doing 

 well, and a scientific collection of insects 

 cannot be obtained unless certain funda- 

 mental methods are followed. We have 

 prepared these instructions so that any per- 

 son without previous experience can start 

 this most fascinating and instructive of oc- 

 cupations. 



Supplies and Equipment Needed 



One cannot take pictures without film 

 and camera nor can he collect and pre- 

 pare insects without a few necessary items 

 of equipment (Fig. 2). These can be home- 

 made but the average person will find it 

 more satisfactory to purchase them. They 



need not be expensive, in fact, it costs sur- 

 prisingly little to do really creditable work. 



Essential Items. The following are the 

 essential items you will need: 



1. Collecting net light in weight but of strong, 

 durable construction with a bag of good quality, 

 lock-stitch netting. 



2. Killing jar with cyanide, properly made for 

 maximum efficiency and safety. The 16-ounce 

 size is probably best for most types of specimens. 



3. Insect pins of double japanned steel wire 

 with especially sharp points and heads that will 

 not come off. Sizes 1, 2 and 3 are most widely 

 used. 



4. A spreading board with adjustable groove 

 can be used with a wide variety of specimens. 

 Spreading boards should be carefully constructed 

 to work with ease and a minimum of difficulty. 



5. Insect storage boxes constructed to be as 

 air tight and pest-proof as possible will give ade- 

 quate protection for a carefully made insect col- 

 lection. 



6. A permanent field note book of a size that 

 may be conveniently carried in the pocket or 

 collecting bag is essential for the noting of nec- 

 essary collecting data. 



