12 



FARMERS BULLETIN 606. 



the strips across the wings, so as not to rub the scales from the wings 

 of butterflies and moths. With grasshoppers it has been customary 

 to spread the wings of one side only. 



BOXES. 



If it is desired to keep the insects for several yeare, it is necessary 

 to put them in a tight, dry, and dark box — tight to exclude other 

 insects which would eat them, dry to prevent mold, and dark to 

 preserve their colors. 



Fig. 11.— Covered box for insect specimens. 



There are two sizes of boxes commonly used by collectors. One 

 is a box about 9 by 12 inches vnth a hinged top (fig. 11). These often 

 stand on edge on a shelf. The other is a larger box or drawer 

 about 15 by 18 inches with a removable glass top. These drawers 

 are arranged to slide into a cabinet. Cabinets, with three or more 

 drawers, that will be excellent for school collections, can be pur- 

 chased from tlealers. For the purpose of temporary study insects 

 may be kept in any style of box with a cover. Cigar boxes ^^^ll do 

 for a time (fig. 12). The bottom of the box should be lined with some 

 soft material, such as cork, peat, well-dried corn pith, or corrugated 



