50 
SPRING. 
out the inhabitants.” This plan will be useful 
in collecting other insects in banks, &c. 
Although there is not a single tree, shrub, or 
plant, on which insects are not to be found, yet a 
few of the most productive may be pointed .out. 
The oak harbours more caterpillars than any 
other tree; some very fine insects are also 
obtained by beating the branches, and in its 
decayed wood some rare beetles are to be 
found. The poplar^ lime, elm, willow, sallow, 
and their decayed bark and rotten wood, 
afford food and shelter to immense numbers. 
The black thorn, while in blossom, will repay 
examination. But “ where the white thorn 
whitens with lavish fragrance,” numerous species 
resort. The furze also attracts many bees. 
Before beating any flowering shrub, a cursory 
glance will often detect an insect feeding on the 
blossom which may at once be secured with the 
forceps. “ The charming offspring of Flora” 
should, however, be as little destroyed by beat- 
ing as possible, as flowers will furnish con- 
siderable employment and profit to the col- 
lector. They should be constantly watched, 
as beetles, bees, and other flying insects, are 
continually in search of every opening flower,” 
and many hundreds will visit a single blossom 
in a day. A few umbelliferous flowers will 
produce insects of almost all the orders, and 
