ON COLLECTIONS OF LEPIDOPTERA. 95 



collection : the colouring, markings, variations, classification, &c., 

 ma}' be studied ; but then individual collections are not indis- 

 pensable for these purposes, which would be served by visits to a 

 museum, and to a lesser degree by examining coloured drawings. 

 Even should we admit the usefulness of private collections for 

 these purposes, — considering the large amount of time that is 

 spent in the catching, setting, and exchanging insects, — would 

 it not be better and more truly economical to buy a typical 

 outline collection ? One of my correspondents, in an exceedingly 

 kind letter, well put the matter thus: — "With regard to the 

 educational value of a collection of Lepidoptera, I don't think it 

 is worth the time that we spend on it. If there were no setting, 

 but only the collecting and arrangement, it might be ; but the 

 time spent on setting is, to my mind, wasted educationally. To 

 men of little leisure, and who do not treat the matter as a 

 recreation and a change from their ordinary labour, I don't think 

 the game is worth the candle." 



Such, I may say, is a view that — I own against my will — has 

 to a great extent forced itself on my mind. I should add, 

 however, that another correspondent, well known in the entomo- 

 logical world, wrote : — " A museum, I think, does not teach a 

 man so much as his own private collection. The attention 

 claimed by setting the insects must make one see things more 

 definitely." 



Lest I be blamed for my suggestion that a collection might 

 be bought, and be told that I am slighting field-work, let me say 

 that field-work, which is carried on simultaneously with our 

 constitutional walks, and adds so greatly to the charms of a 

 country ramble, is in no way the loss of time setting is. Again, 

 with less collecting and setting the entomologist would have more 

 time available for breeding the various species ; and, thinking 

 less of his cabinet and more of Entomology, would feel disposed 

 to take Dr. Knaggs' advice when he says that insects caught, 

 instead of being at once killed and set for the cabinet, sliould 

 rather be kept alive and allowed to breed, thereby afi:brding us 

 the means of studying the whole life-history of the species. 



I should still advocate the collecting of insects by boys : their 

 time is less valuable, they find it a delightful amusement, and 

 learn to know all our commoner insects, their liaunts, and tlieir 

 classification ; whilst, as they grow older, they slide gradually from 



