EASTERN UNITED STATES. 41 



be spread in the manner represented by Fig. 9, on what is 

 called a setting-board. This may be made of any length 

 desired, and several sizes should be on hand to accom- 

 modate different-sized specimens. They may be made by 

 taking clapboards or siding, sawing them into strips, and 

 nailing them to blocks of wood one inch high, as in the 

 figure, the thin edge of the board inward, with a space be- 

 tween for the bodies of the insects, varying according to 

 the size of the specimen to be pinned on the board. This 

 makes the boards slope a little towards the middle, and 



brings the outer part of the wings a little higher 



. . Fig. 10. 



than next to the body ; but this is best, as when 



taken from the boards they may droop a little. 

 If the setting-boards are twenty-three inches 

 long, it will be necessary to support them by a 

 block in the middle. Under the space between 

 the boards should be fastened a narrow strip of 

 one-eighth inch cork, or a piece of thin paste- 

 board, through which the pins must be pushed 

 till the lower side of the wings, when spread, 

 comes on a level with the boards. 



In spreading insects' wings setting-needles 

 (see Fig. 10) should be used. In handling speci- 

 mens a pair of spring forceps with smooth points 

 are essential to prevent rubbing by the fingers. 

 The setting-needle is made by taking a medium- 

 sized needle in a pair of pliers and forcing the nee die. 

 eye end into a piece of soft wood. Five of 

 these will be found convenient, — one with which to bring 

 the wings down if they stand erect, and the other four 

 to bring the wings round in place, inserting each one into 

 the soft setting-board through the wing when the latter 



4* 



