14 MOTHS AND BUTTERFLIES. 
use stout iron wire such as telegraph wire, but it makes the net 
heavier and less flexible. A straight piece of willow, as large as 
one’s little finger, will answer for a rim when nothing else can be 
obtained. Some may find that a net smaller in diameter and with 
a longer handle will answer their purpose better; but it is difficult 
to manipulate a net with one hand if the handle is longer, and the 
larger the net one can swing the more likely he is to capture 
the large and rapid flying insects which may come his way. 
Where insects fly very high, as they sometimes do, a net will 
have to be fastened to the end of a pole. A jointed bamboo fish- 
pole is a very good thing to use in this case, as the short handle of 
the net may be fitted into the brass ferule of the rod at the second 
joint. But it will rarely be necessary to use a net of this description 
as most of our native butterflies may be easily taken with a short- 
handled net. 
COLLECTING BOX OR JAR. 
A thin glass tumbler, with a tight-fitting cork stopper, will 
answer for killing small specimens and an occasional large one ; but 
it is almost too small for one who intends to doa large amount of 
collecting. The tumbler is prepared as follows: Put into it one 
Poison Box. 
ounce of cyanide of potassium broken into fragments and cover with 
an inch of sawdust well pressed down. Mix a small quantity of 
plaster-of-Paris and water to the consistency of rich cream and pour 
over the sawdust to the depth of half an inch. When the plaster 
hardens the “bottle” is ready for use, killing in a few moments, 
