WINTER. 
41 
is best, as from its depth, few insects can run 
up the sides. The insects, although in general 
small are not the less interesting ; they should 
be put into quills as collected, and may be 
killed, by holding the quills in scalding water 
for a few seconds, and then pierced, or gummed 
upon wedges of stiff paper, as hereafter di- 
rected. If the labour of examining moss be 
too great for a person merely collecting for a 
friend, a quantity gathered from various places 
would not be an unacceptable present, and 
might be sent, tied securely, in bags. Tufts 
of grass, growing on banks, sides of ditches, 
ponds, roots of trees, &c. may be pulled up and 
shaken into an umbrella, a sheet of paper, 
or a pocket handkerchief, or taken home. 
If thrown into water the insects will be found 
on the surface. 
Many insects are found by stripping off the 
bark from decayed trees, with the digger or 
bark knife, and also by digging into the rotten 
wood. A wet finger will be found the best 
mode of taking the small ones. One hand 
should be held under the bark, when separating 
it from the tree, to secure any insects that may 
fall. Grubs or maggots will also be found, 
particularly in the dead wood, and must be 
taken out carefully with a portion of the wood. 
