APPENDICES. 



A. 



On Collecting- and Preserving Earwigs. 



The ordinary methods for collecting beetles and such creatures 

 may be generally applied to Earwigs. As may be seen in the 

 chapter on Habits (ante, p. 14), they occur almost everywhere. 

 When found, they may be best seized in the fingers, care being 

 necessary to avoid crushing them, for they are delicate insects. 



The most convenient instrument for catching them is a s\\eep- 

 net ; a few vigorous strokes in nettles, grass, rough herbage, or 

 any suitable situation, will often bring several specimens into the 

 net. The ordinary sweep-net, as generally sold by dealers, is 

 not usually a satisfactory instrument ; the handle is nearly always 

 too rigid, and quickly breaks under the severe strain to which it 

 is exposed ; a slightly flexible strong cane handle is preferable. 

 The material is usually too coarse, and so is quickly torn into 

 holes ; a dense heavy canvas or jean, preferably glazed, makes a 

 suitable net ; this should be attached to the metal ring in such a 

 way that the wearing edge of the ring itself is subjected ; otherwise 

 the exceedingly rough use to which it is exposed quickly wears 

 out the material, however strong, if bound round the ring ; the 

 best form of ring is a flat strip of elastic metal, with a series of 

 holes punched in it ; the material may then be sewn on to the 

 rinf^ by these holes in such a way that the cutting edge of the 

 metal is exposed to the grass or shrubs ; this not only increases 

 the efficiency, but greatly prolongs the life of the net. 



Earwigs may be killed in an ordinary cyanide killing-bottle, or by 

 dropping them into boiling water ; perhaps the most convenient 

 way is to drop thetn into tubes of spirits of wine ; any alcohol, 

 such as brandy, whiskey, or gin, will do for this purpose. 



Earwigs may be preserved wet or dry. The former is more 

 convenient for temporary purposes, and has several advantages 

 for permanent preservation, but the latter is generally preferable 

 for a collection. 



A 3 per cent, solution of formalin preserves most colours but 



