The Capture, Preparation, and Preservation of Specimens 



the point where they settle, and then make them his prey. It 

 is well in this work, as in all collecting, to proceed somewhat 

 leisurely, and to keep perfectly cool. The caricature sometimes 

 found in newspapers of the ardent lepidopterist running like a 

 " quarter-back " across a ten-acre lot in quest of some flying insect 

 does not represent the truly skilful collector, whose movements 

 are more or less stealthy and cautious. 



THE BREEDING OF SPECIMENS 



By breeding it is possible to obtain specimens in the most 

 perfect condition. Bred specimens which have not had an oppor- 

 tunity to fly are always preferred on account of their freshness of 

 color and perfection of form. A great many species which ap- 

 parently are exceedingly rare may often be obtained in consider- 

 able numbers by the process of breeding, the caterpillar being 

 more readily found than the perfect insect. Although the process 

 of breeding involves a good deal of labor and care, it affords a 

 most delightful field for observation, and the returns are fre- 

 quently of the very greatest value. 



How to Get the Eggs of Butterflies.— The process of breeding 

 may begin with the egg. The skilful eye of the student will de- 

 tect the eggs of butterflies upon the leaves upon which they have 

 been deposited. The twig may be cut and placed in a vase, in 

 water, and kept fresh until the minute caterpillar emerges, and 

 then from time to time it may be transferred to fresh leaves of the 

 same species of plant, and it will continue to make its moults 

 until at last it is transformed into a chrysalis, and in due season 

 the butterfly emerges. Eggs may frequently be obtained in con- 

 siderable numbers by confining the female under gauze, with the 

 appropriate food-plant. A knowledge of the food-plant may 

 often be obtained by watching the female and observing upon 

 what plants she deposits her eggs. The exceedingly beautiful 

 researches of Mr. W. H. Edwards were largely promoted by his 

 skill in inducing females to oviposit upon their food-plants. He 

 did this generally by confining the female with the food-plant in 

 a barrel or nail-keg, the bottom of which had been knocked 

 out, and over the top of which he tied mosquito-netting. 

 The plant was placed under the keg. The insects thus con- 



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