412 



COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECT 

 LIFE. 



In order to become acquainted more intimately 

 with the form and structure of insects one must be in 

 possession of specimens, in order to make accurate 

 observations, and to become possessed of sucli speci- 

 mens collecting is necessary. Certain material is 

 also necessary to do this work effectively. 



We will mention first the butterfly net, which con- 

 sists of a ring of wire about 12 inches in diameter. 

 On to this ring a bag made of mosquito net is sewn ; 

 then the ring is bound with tape or calico. The 

 length of the bag should be at least one and a half 

 times the diameter of the ring — this is to allow the 

 bag to swing across the ring when the insect is 

 captured, and thus prevent its escape. 



A neatly-designed folding ring can be purchased, 

 but is rather an expensive item, and is no more effec- 

 tive than a home-made one constructed of a piece of 

 stiff wire such as is seen in fences. The ends of the 

 wire should be twisted around one another for 5 

 or 6 inches. When the collector goes out he should 

 carry a strong piece of tape or, better still, attach 

 the tape to the ring; then by this means a strong 

 stick, cut in the bush, can be more easily attached 

 than with an ordinary piece of string as the tape 

 does not slip. The net bag is frequently dyed green 

 with ink, but this is not an important detail. 



