90 JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY [Vol. 2 



neglected phase of entomological work great things are in store for 

 the careful operator, and surprising results can be obtained with good 

 lenses properly selected for the work at hand. A certain life-like 

 and characteristic reproduction of general appearance and of minute 

 surface detail that can not be duplicated by pen or brush, is obtainable 

 by means of the photographic plate. On the other hand, portions of 

 insect anatomy can be portrayed more satisfactorily by a line drawing 

 which defines and accentuates outlines. 



Since the ordinary photograph is composed entirely of light and 

 shade and intermediate tones, it is necessary to study the subject with 

 a view to the best illumination to produce the contrasts and high lights 

 necessary for good detail. Photography of insects and of landscapes 

 are radically different; in the former greatest detail, in the latter a 

 certain indistinct haziness is considered the optimum result. 



It is evident that photographs of insects, to be of benefit for illus- 

 tration and study, must range from natural size to several or many 

 diameter enlargements. By general consent, a photograph of an 

 object from natural size up to ten diameters is called a photomacro- 

 graph; beyond ten diameters, a pliotomicrograpli. There may be 

 some value in this distinction, but the general idea of a photomicro- 

 graph is an enlargement of one hundred or more diameters. Photomi- 

 crography Avill be discussed under a separate heading. 



Insect Photography 



A perfect, well mounted, clean specimen is absolutely essential 

 for a good photograph, since every defect is extremely noticeable at 

 an enlargement of several diameters. Flat and convex insects can be 

 photographed satisfactorily, but must receive different treament to 

 insure that all parts may be in sharp focus. 



There will be little excuse for poorly focused pictures of convex 

 objects when it is understood that by "stopping down" the lens (re- 

 ducing the diaphragm orifice) proportionately greater depth of focus 

 can be obtained. It must be remembered that stopping down the lens 

 reduces the amount of light reaching the sensitive plate, thus re- 

 quiring much longer exposure. 



Apparatus. — It is presumed that the operator has the ordinary- 

 dark-room facilities available, and has a general idea of the princi- 

 ples of photography. 



An ordinary long bellows camera may be fitted up for temporary 

 use by a handy person. It may be arranged horizontally or vertically, 

 preferably the latter, because of the ease in arrangement of speci- 

 mens, either dry or immersed in liquid, and the greater facilities of 



