110 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 



collection containing representatives of the principal families 

 or genera of the Lepidoptera of the world. 



Many of the modes of collecting insects in use in England 

 are equally efficacious abroad ; but the most convenient way 

 of collecting and bringing home a large number of specimens 

 is by means of papers, which should be proportioned to the 

 size of the insects they are to contain. These are prepared 

 by folding a square piece of paper diagonally, and then 

 doubling over one of the edges, leaving a sort of triangular 

 envelope, open at the top. When the insect is dead (for only 

 one should be put into each paper) the wings are pressed 

 together over the back, and it is dropped into this envelope ; 

 the top is then folded down, and the papers can be then 

 packed away in a tin or wooden box (not too tightly, and a 

 little cotton-wool on the top maybe recommended). They will 

 travel safely, care being taken to keep camphor or some other 

 strongly-smelling substance in the box to drive away mites. 

 Of course it is better to set insects at once, if you have 

 facilities for so doing. Experience alone will teach the best 

 localities and modes of collecting in each country. Those 

 who have friends abroad, or who have an opportunity of 

 visiting foreign countries, may collect for themselves, or get 

 others to do so (and it may here be mentioned that many of the 

 greatest rarities have been sent home by missionaries) ; but 

 those who are not so fortunate must obtain their specimens 

 by purchase or exchange. 



In seaport and other towns boxes of insects are occa- 

 sionally offered for sale by soldiers or sailors, and though 

 generally containing only common species, often in poor 

 condition, yet they are always worth examining, as the 

 reverse may happen to be the case, or a single specimen 

 may chance lo be among them worth all the remainder. 

 Entire collections are also offered for sale, either privately or 

 by auction ; but it is not advisable to buy insects in this 

 manner, without having had an opportunity of inspecting 

 them beforehand. The value of insects in lots may generally 

 be estimated as not more than that of the perfect specimens 

 in it; for although it is better sometimes to buy an imperfect 

 specimen of an insect difficult to get, or which you may 

 require as a type, it is much better not to fill your drawers 

 with broken or faded specimens of common species, unless 



