66 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 



beetles may be found to be new to some who have not before 

 thought of taking up the subject, or may refresh the flagging 

 interest of others who are wavering between the Coleoptera and 

 their old loves, the Lepidoptera. 



The instruments required for the capture of Coleoptera are 

 both simple and inexpensive. First of all, two nets will be 

 required of the size of an ordinary butterfly-net, one made of 

 strong material for sweeping herbage, and the other of " cheese- 

 cloth," for water-work. Eound the top of the net must be sewn 

 a band of linen or holland, into which the ring will slide. If 

 this is not provided the net itself would wear out almost 

 immediately from continual sweeping. The ordinary iron ring 

 bought at any naturalists' shop is the most serviceable, as the 

 work is often rather rough, especially among long grass or weeds, 

 and the more elaborate nets soon get worn out. 



Secondly, a " digger " for ripping ofl'the bark of trees, made 

 according to the following plan. Those sold in naturalists' shops 

 are utterly useless. It should be " something in the shape of a 

 mattock, the blade trowel-shaped and slightly curved, and a 

 broad hammer taking the place of the prongs. The blade must 

 he very strong and sharp-edged, and the handle should be pro- 

 longed into a sort of crowbar with rather a sharp edge, so as to 

 be able to use it as a chisel and lever united." This is the 

 Eev. J. G. Wood's description ; and, though certainly rather 

 heavy, it will be found a most serviceable tool. 



Thirdly, a wide-mouthed bottle with close-fitting cork. Bore 

 a hole through the cork, and into this firmly secure a short thick 

 quill, also having a cork in it, and one which can be readily with- 

 drawn with the teeth. By this means the small species can be 

 quickly popped in through the quill, without taking out the larger 

 cork each time. In the bottle, place some well-pounded fresh 

 laurel leaves, covered with a piece of cardboard firmly pressed 

 down and fitting close to the bottle. In the cardboard pierce a 

 number of small holes to let the fumes of the laurel escape into 

 the bottle. 



Fourthly, a pair of forceps. These should be made of steel, 

 and with a curve in them, so that they can be pushed into corners 

 where straight forceps could not reach. 



These, with the addition of a few pill-boxes, and a small 

 closely-stoppered bottle of spirits of wine, will be everything a 

 collector will find necessary for a successful season. 



