38 



BULLETIN 67, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 



Fig. 75.— A butterfly net-frame. 



Another way to make a simple ring is to bend a stout wire into 

 a circle, leaving a few inches at the end, fully one-half inch of the 

 extreme ends again bent as in the figure 76. Near the end of a 

 stick two small holes are made, large enough to hold the bent ends 



of the wire. These are in- 

 serted into the holes, and 

 then the ring is bound 

 tightly to the stick by wire 

 or stout cord; a groove cut 

 in each side of the stick for 

 the reception of the wire 

 will make a better job. A 

 winding mallet (fig. 77) may 

 be used to wind the cord. 

 The cord is wound around 

 both mallet and stick and 

 a turn or two around the 

 handle ; then, by turning the 

 mallet around the stick, the 

 cord is gradually wound 

 upon the stick as tightly 

 as the cord will stand. This 

 mallet is useful to bind up a broken handle, if the break is oblique. 

 Another plan of net is shown in figure 78; it is too heavy for any- 

 thing but beating. 



The various dealers in entomological supplies have a variety of 

 nets, most of which are cheap and serviceable; one of the most pop- 

 ular is known as the "American" net. It will be best in the end to 

 purchase a net. The size of the net varies with the 

 purpose for which it is to be used. For general sweep- 

 ing a ring of from 12 to 14 inches is sufficient. A 

 beating net may be larger. For catching butterflies 

 and dragonflies a net of 15 or 18 inches is better, pro- 

 vided this is not of too heavy material, for in catch- 

 ing these insects a rapid stroke is necessary, which is 

 only possible with a light net. 



For collecting small insects from flowers, bushes, 

 etc., a midget net, 5 to 7 inches in diameter, is 

 better than a larger net. This should be fitted to a 

 short handle. A very handy one may be made by 

 bending a piece of wire into a circle 5 inches in diameter, leaving 

 an inch or so free at the ends. These may be inserted in the hole 

 of a common spool and a short stick crowded in between them from 

 the opposite end. Such a net may be carried in an ordinary coat 

 pocket and put together in a few moments. Mr. Kearfott, for 



6 



Fig. 76. — The 

 Sanborn net- 

 frame. 



