100 [October, 



Neuroptera, believing also tliat some who have neglected this order 

 for want of some general guide to the means of possessing the neces- 

 sary collection, may be induced to turn their attention thereto if they 

 learn something of the modus operandi. As the majority of these 

 insects are aquatic in their earlier stages, the very excursions ueces- 

 sary for their collection cannot fail to be a source of enjoyment to 

 all who can appreciate the beauties of natural sceuery, for they must 

 take the collector to the banks of i-ivers and lakes, reedy ponds and 

 rushing waterfalls, localities upon the beauties of which the author 

 of ' Rambles by Eivers ' would have eloquently discoursed. 



As the utility of all instructions depends upon their conciseness, 

 I shall endeavour to concentrate these remarks as much as may be 

 consistent with their usefulness, by laying down general hints, leaving 

 the more minute particulars to be filled in by the accumulated ex- 

 perience of individual collectors ; for, after all, experience is the only 

 true guide, — that alone can help the entomologist to that correct 

 appreciation of cause, effect, and jH'obability, so essential to the suc- 

 cess of the object he has in view. And though I especially address 

 these notes to British entomologists, I shall embody therein more 

 general instructions to collectors abroad, those who cannot find time 

 for elaborate preparation of their specimens, and with whom the 

 acquirement of large numbers of specimens and species is really of 

 more consequence, both to themselves and to the entomologists who 

 may benefit by their labours, than beauty of condition of a few exam- 

 ples. Specimens cannot be too perfect, or in too good condition ; 

 this I look upon as an axiom : yet it seems to me that the rage for 

 * perfect ' specimens, so strongly marked in many entomologists of 

 the present day, savours more of the amateur than of the student ; 

 and I confess that, for my part, I would rather have 50 species per- 

 fect enough to admit of a correct appreciation of their structure and 

 peculiarities, than 10 so perfect that not a defect exists. I throw 

 out this last opinion not as recommending carelessness of preparation, 

 but as discouraging the craving for cabinet objects instead of materials 

 for study. The student-entomologist should try to believe that " half 

 a loaf is better than no bread," and not despise a specimen because a 

 joint or two of an antenna, or a leg, &c., be missing. 



GENERAL OBSEEVATIONS. 

 Before proceeding to consider the different families of Neurop- 

 tera in detail, it may be as well to give a few general hints that will 

 apply to all. 



