10 CAPTURING AND PRESEnVIXG IXSECTS. 



the forceps. When tliey are taken in this net, it must be instantly grasp- 

 ed above the butterfly (whicli is usually at the bottom ) to prevent its 

 escape. The insect may be pressed between the thumb and finger under 

 the breast, before it is pinned. 



Another instrument is the water net, made like the preceding, or in- 

 deed, the preceding may answer the same purpose, but it is best to have 

 two. With it, all water insects are captured ; the water strains oil' 

 through the net and the insects remain at the bottom. 



A lighter net of similar form, made of linen is used for sweeping the 

 grass, on which immense numbers of minute insects are always to be 

 found ; the weeds on the banks of rivers are exceedingly productive of 

 insects, M'hich can be taken only in this manner. In walking through 

 meadows it will be found a good plan to hold this net in such a position 

 that it may continually strike the projecting blades of grass. The bag 

 should be examined every few rods by gently turning it inside out; have 

 your vial in one hand and scoop into it every insect you desire to keep. 



Insects are also found on flowers, imder stones, bark, logs ; in the 

 carcases of dead animals, in living or putrefying Fungi ; in all kinds of 

 dung and rubbish ; in sand and gravel pits ; in moss ; in mud ; in ■water, 

 and frequently flying in the air. 



Hoic to kill insects. — As soon as you got home, take out your vials 

 containing tlie beetles, and immerse vial and all (without removing the 

 insects) into hot water. They will be dead almost instantly. Then 

 empty them on a newspaper and if you have time or are not too tired, 

 stick your pins through the right wing cover (elytron) near the should- 

 er. Let those you intend for your collection, dry off well before you 

 put them in the drawers, but the duplicates may be put away in your 

 boxes at once. 



Butterflies must be treated diflerently. I have found a solution of 

 oxalic acid the best and most expeditious means of killing them. Dis- 

 solve a little of the acid in water — cut a quill into the form of a tooth 

 pick — take hold of the butterfly so as to bring the wings together be- 

 tween the thumb and finger of your left hand — dip the pen into the acid 

 and insert it in the breast of the insect inclining it towards the head and 

 it will instantly die. Sometimes this must be repeated, but if dexterously 

 done, one insertion will sufllce. The insect must then be stretched on 

 a board with a groove in it wide and deep enough to receive the body 

 and the pin — the wings must be expanded — strips of paper pinned over 

 them to keep them thus expanded until they are dried, which will re- 

 quire a few days, and then they should be put in the cabinet. A better 

 in.sti-ument than the pen is a glass tube of extremely narrow diameter 



