FOEMING COLLECTIONS. 19 



CHAPTER III. 



The Forming of Collections of Economic and other 

 Insects Recommended, with Directions for Col- 

 lecting AND Preserving Same. 



The fjirnier, the fruit-grower, the vigneron, and the 

 forester, who have to contend against the ravages of 

 insect pests, ought surely to know something of the life- 

 histoiy of the insects with which they may have to deal. A 

 few remarks bearing on this subject are oftered, with the 

 view of assisting such persons as may feel inclined to know 

 more of insects than they do at present, so as to enable 

 them to distinguish between their " garden " friends and 

 enemies ; for this knowledge can only be obtained by the 

 study (even if somewhat imperfectly) of the "manners 

 and customs " of insect life. 



It will be a great help to any agriculturist who wishes 

 to follow up this sul)ject successfully to make for himself 

 a collection of the insects of his district. 



To commence the study of practical entomology, or to 

 form collections of insects, as a useful and pleasurable 

 pastime, it is not necessary to go to any great outlay in 

 the purchase of books or collecting material, as much of 

 the good work already done has ])een accomplished by 

 those in humble circumstances, and often under disadvan- 

 tageous conditions quite unknown to the rural population 

 of newer countries. 



It will thus be seen that science and the study of natural 

 history is open to all — rich and poor, humble as well 

 as great — so that none need l)e afraid to undertake at 

 least something useful, more especially in a new country, 

 where the field for observation is so vast, and the interests 

 at stake of such great national importance to the rural 

 portion of our community. We must be u]) and 

 doing. 



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