vi PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION 



ones may be set on strips of flat cork, covered with thin white paper. 

 Entomological forceps will be needed to insert the pin in the thorax 

 of the fly ; I prefer these curved, as they are also useful for moving 

 pinned specimens. If the flies are to be photographed the pin must be 

 cut off as short as possible above the thorax, and the cut end blackened 

 with a touch of "matt black." No. 20 pins will be useful for most flies, 

 though the large species require somethingstronger, whilsttheverysmall 

 ones, if pinned at all, require the finest silver pins obtainable. Taylor, 

 New Hall Works, Birmingham, will supply a sample card of pins. For 

 setting, strips and triangles of stiff writing paper, to hold legs and wings 

 in place, and a stiff sable paint-brush, a few handled bristles and a fine 

 needle or two, also handled, will do all that is required: a lens is in- 

 dispensable in setting small flies, and may with advantage be mounted 

 on a simple stand to leave both hands free. Some flies, especially the 

 Tachinidae, are very brittle: care must be taken in manipulating them. 

 Culicidae should be set a7id plwtographcd as quickly as possible, they 

 very soon shrivel. Other flies may remain about ten days on the setting 

 boards. As to numbers, half a dozen specimens should be ample, both 

 sexes being represented, where possible. Fewer will often have to suffice 

 with rare species, and for purposes of photography one well set specimen 

 would be sufficient, were it not for the ever present risk of damage in 

 moving from the store box: the slightest touch or jar will often cause 

 the loss of a leg or antenna, and the attempt to replace these is seldom 

 successful. 



Store boxes may be had in many sizes (10 x 8 inches is as good as 

 any); whatever size is used should be adhered to, as far as possible, for 

 the sake of uniformity. They should be carefully examined for mites, 

 a great enemy to the collector; even new boxes are sometimes con- 

 taminated. In sending flies by post it is well to use two boxes, pinning 

 them well into the inner, and supporting them by extra pins if possible ; 

 then packing the bo.x with shavings inside a larger one. The label will 

 of course be tied on. When finally pinning flies into the store box it is 

 essential to use a small label giving date and locality, which can be 

 pinned, written side down, by the same pin as the specimen. The name, 

 etc. of the fly is written on a second label and pinned behind it in the box : 

 the sex should be marked, where known, and a number added to corre- 

 spond with that in a notebook, where fuller details may be recorded. 

 Flies should be stored in a cool dry place, free from accidental jars and 

 careless handling. Naphthalin wrapped in a piece of net should be 



