60 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 



by it ; another class go about their usual avocations un- 

 mindful of it ; while a third class are instantly expelled 

 by it." The third class are by far the most difficult to 

 capture. 



Moths are easily reared from the eggs. In autumn and 

 winter numerous cocoons may be found upon trees and 

 bushes ; these, if kept in a warm room, will hatch in early 

 spring*. 



In mounting butterflies and moths I have practised the 

 same method as described in mounting beetles, and think 

 it superior to all others. In mounting these insects, how- 

 ever, it is well to use what is called a " setting-needle," to 

 avoid rubbing the scales off the wings with the fingers. 



The " setting-needle " is simply a common needle fas- 

 tened into a light stick ; two of these will be found use- 

 ful, — one to hold the body of the insect firm, and the other 

 to place the wings and antennae in the proper position. 

 The eggs and larvae of the Lepidoptera should be placed 

 in alcohol. 



There is a class of moths called Hawk-Moths, Sphinxes, 

 or Humming-Bees, some species of which are diurnal, and 

 some nocturnal. They are all difficult to capture un- 

 injured, as they fly rapidly, and, when caught in the net, 

 struggle fiercely. 



The larvae, when about to form the pupa, go into the 

 ground ; for this reason the box that contains those that 

 are being reared should be partly filled with moist earth. 

 They are mounted in the same manner as the other 

 Lepidoptera. All bright-colored insects when in the cabi- 

 net should be kept from the light as much as possible, 

 especially those belonging to the above order. 



Dragon-flies, etc., or Neuroptera. — Dragon-flies are, on 

 account of their quick motions, somewhat difficult to cap- 

 ture ; they are found flying over the fields and mead- 

 ows ; most abundant, however, in the immediate vicinity of 



