98 The Field Naturalist's Quarterly May 



relaxing insects preserved in this way, though it is uni- 

 versally adopted by dealers and others who collect on a 

 great scale, and in remoter regions, where packing-space 

 is the chief difficulty. But every naturalist has his own 

 fancy in these matters, and generally believes it the best. 

 Mine, at home as well as abroad, is the pill-box plan, 

 and though it involves more labour on the spot, it has 

 the double advantage of securing perfect specimens, and 

 preventing disappointment later when papers are opened 

 or pinned specimens stubbornly refuse to yield to the in- 

 fluence of the relaxing - box. Very little ammonia (the 

 strongest) is necessary. A thimbleful to one large box I 

 have found sufficient. Two half-pint bottles brought from 

 home have lasted a six weeks' expedition. 



The number of butterflies which will not travel quietly 

 when boxed is very small. English collectors except the 

 Wood White {Leptidia sinapis) ; but abroad I have never 

 found it restless, and, so far as I can recall, only one 

 little Skipper {Carcharodus lavaterce) bangs wildly about 

 in captivity, though many I have brought home through 

 a long day absolutely without damage. One word further^ 

 however, on the pill-box question. Unless space is of no 

 account, large insects cannot be treated thus, and these I 

 pin separately in a tin collecting - box, which should be 

 large enough to carry the pill- boxes in the bag or port- 

 manteau. 



In any case, the impedimenta requisite to the chase 

 need not exceed a net, pill-boxes {ad lib.), a strong setting- 

 case with a good number of boards (I do not recommend 

 the dealers' stereotyped pattern for foreign travel, as they 

 are too flimsy), a packet of pins (black or white according" 

 to taste, of various sizes), and a couple of setting-needles. 

 A store-box and setting-case combined saves room, and, 

 with a little care in giving directions, any reasonably skil- 

 ful carpenter can knock up what is required. A note-book 

 to record dates, localities, and any observations as to habits 

 of the various captures, will be found of the greatest service 

 when the time comes for disposing them in the cabinet 

 at home. 



