44 ■ BEITTSH OAK GALLS. 



Microscope slides may be obtained with cavities in 

 them of varions depths. In such the insects can be 

 placed, and kept secure by a cover-slip affixed and 

 ringed in the usual manner. 



If the collector wishes to secure the numerous insects 

 that emerge from most galls, they should be put in 

 glass jam-jars and fine muslin tied over the opening. 

 A little experience will dictate the most suitable places 

 in which the jars should be kept. Some require a good 

 amount of warmth, some may be placed in sunshine, 

 others require shade. All should be attentively watched 

 and mould removed when it appears. • 



From some galls insects will emerge during the 

 second, and occasionally the third year, after the galls 

 matured ; therefore it is not advisable to remove them 

 too soon from the jars. But there are also others 

 which will not yield any insects unless natural sur- 

 roundings are very closely imitated, and for this 

 purpose ordinary flower-pots with earth, sand, dead 

 leaves, and such like in them are as satisfactory as can 

 be obtained. 



To have a number of seedlino- oaks of two or three 

 years' growth, and carry on experimental breeding of 

 the makers, and observe the growth of the galls they 

 produce, is a most fascinating study. 



Collections of oak galls in museums are rare ; very 

 few private collections exist ; the collector and student 

 has, therefore, an opportunity of acquiring an interest- 

 ing and unusual amount of material in a little-known 

 subject, and of adding to scientific knowledge. 



Preserving- galls in their natural beauty is a very 

 difficult matter. There does not appear to be any 

 known or recognised method by which they can be 

 prevented from shrivelling and loss of colour. If 

 gathered when mature the hard and woody kinds do 

 not alter very greatly. The succulent kinds, however, 

 shrivel quickly and lose their colour. It does not 

 seem to be possible to preserve their colours or shape 

 in any way comparable with their pristine condition. 



