Biological Papers. 231 



careful and proper mounting of specimens, nor complete without 

 explicit data. 



Every definite locality that is given for the capture of a species 

 is important in defining the extent of territory in which that spe- 

 cies occurs, and such references, however local they may sometimes 

 be, assist, often appreciably, in extending our knowledge of geo- 

 graphical distribution and in fixing the limits of their life zones. 

 Next in value to the record of the locality in which an insect was 

 taken was the date of capture; without^ these two most important 

 particulars, the specimens are almost worthless. On the other 

 hand, the records of further particulars learned from observation 

 and experience, will render a collector's attainment of high scien- 

 tific value. 



The designation of captures made at night from those made in 

 daytime seldom receives adequate attention, since far too little 

 heed is given to the use of distinctive pin labels on which the data 

 should be written or printed. The addition of the words I" twi- 

 light," "at night," and "at electric light," on day labels, will 

 answer most requirements for night collecting. 



The triumph that affords the greatest satisfaction in the accom- 

 plishment of something worthy of commendation is achieved in 

 the face of difficulties. - Circumstances are frequently contrary to 

 one's wishes; still a person need not be dismayed by interruptions 

 nor deterred from a worthy purpose by unavoidable delays. jlCol- 

 lecting can go on even if the work of determination lags. Portions 

 of my own collections have been held fully fifteen years before the 

 specimens were thoroughly identified. 



A considerable extent of the systematic work in entomology lies 

 beyond the skill, if not the time and facilities, of even the most ex- 

 perienced collector. But such difficulties, which especially face 

 the amateur, are largely overcome through the generous assistance 

 of specialists, who generally desire, in fact ofttimes request, selected 

 material for research study. By taking advantages of these privi- 

 leges, undetermined material may finally receive satisfactory atten- 

 tion. Without such recourse, the collector would be seriously 

 hampered and likely refuse to collect or at least to save specimens 

 which he could not readily identify himself within the limitation 

 of his own resources. On account of the immense number of dif- 

 ferent forms of insect life, the specific or individual 'recognition of 

 every kind of insect surpasses the ability of anyjone person. Even 

 specialization in a restricted group alone entails slow progress 

 towards perfect identification of species. The interests of entomo- 



