c6tLECTlNG INSECTS. 



58 



Zinc Collecting -box. — Boxes made of zinc and lined with cork are 

 to be had from Natural History agents. The cork should be well 

 moistened with water, and then four or five drops of strong carbolic 

 acid added. Specimens can be kept in a relaxed state for a con- 

 siderable time in a properly prepared box. 



Collecting -bottle. — This is a bottle specially made 

 for entomologists. It is compressed, so that it may 

 be carried conveniently in the pocket. It has a 

 glass tube or large quill passed through the cork, 

 fitted with a plug. It is very useful for collecting 

 small Coleoptera, etc. A piece of crumpled muslin 

 should be placed in it for the insects to cling to. 

 The cork should be covered with sealing-wax on the 

 inside to prevent insects burrowing into it. 



Troiml and Digger. — One or both of these are necessary 

 for digging in the ground, for ripping off bark of trees, 

 etc. A narrow fern-trowel answers best. 



Forceps. — Entomological forceps are made with curved 

 points for taking hold of pins : straight, fine pointed forceps 

 for setting are very necessary ; they should have very little 

 spring, and are best made of brass. (Messrs. Janson, 44, 

 Gieat Russell Street, W.C, or G. Buck, 242, Tottenham 

 Court Road, London, W.) 



Pins. — The entomological pins in use in the Museum are Nos. 11, 

 16, 22, all of uniform length (D. F. Tayler & Co., New Hall Works, 

 Birmingham, but can be obtained from Entomological Agents at 

 Is. per ounce). No. 11 is a thick pin for large specimens ; No. 16, 

 a little thinner, is in general use ; but No. 22, a trifle thinner, is 

 more suitable for Coleoptera of medium size. There is a finer pin, 



