DIRECTIONS FOR COLLECTING AND MOUNTING INSECTS 



A study of Insects may have a very easy and simple start. 

 Keen observing eyes and an Inquisitive mind should Insure success. 

 Living Insects may be observed as they go about their work or may 

 be brought Indoors In simple home-made containers. If they are 

 to be kept as a permanent collection, however, they must be 

 killed and mounted. With only a net and killing bottle many 

 specimens may be collected, but a fev; other Items are desirable. 

 A rather complete but simple outfit should Include: 



1. Several small killing bottles and one or two large ones. 



2. A good number of small vials with liquid preservative. 



3. Two nets, one light, of thin material for catching butter- 

 flies, moths, and swift flyers; the other sturdily built for 

 sweeping vegetation. 



4. Small cardboara boxes with a few layers of cellucotton, 

 or glazed cotton wadding In each, 



5. Folded papers or small envelopes for butterflies. 



6. One or two pairs of light forceps. 



7. One or more small camel's hair brushes for picking up tiny 

 Insects. 



8. A note book. 



9. Insect pins for mounting. 



10. Spreading boards for butterflies, etc. 



11. Paper for labels and points. 



12. Boxes or cases In which to arrange and keep mounted 

 specimens. 



If necessary, most of these Items may be made or gathered up 

 around the home. A number of commercial houses sell entomologi- 

 cal supplies where these and soine other useful helps may be 

 bought. 



Killing Bottles 



Some compound of cyanide makes the best killing agent. Cyan- 

 ogas, which Is sold as an Insecticide at drug stores, may be 

 easily secured and Is altogether satisfactory. Slim, heavy glass 



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