12 N. S. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



In the foregoing experiments soluble sulphur (sodium sulphide) and barium sul- 

 phur (barium tetrasulphide), two commercial preparations sold in powdered form as 

 substitutes for lime sulphur, appear to be inferior to this preparation in fungicidal value. 

 Both of them, particularly soluble sulphur, caused some leaf injury, and this was the 

 general experience throughout the Annapolis Valley where these preparations were used. 

 In some cases there was very little or no injury in evidence, and in most cases this in- 

 jury was only apparent following the third and fourth sprays. It should be noted that 

 this season all solutions seemed to give more injury than in ordinary years. 



Orchards 1, 2 and 3 were sprayed by the same man in the same locality and under 

 very similar conditions, but the other orchards were in different localities and doubtless 

 under a variety of conditions. We were not able, in all experiments to make as large 

 counts as we would have wished, to secure accurate results, though in most cases they 

 corresponded quite closely with those observed elsewhere. These experiments are here 

 described as a matter of record and should be regarded as a basis for further work. 



The investigation was undertaken in consultation with Mr. G. E. Sanders, of the 

 Dominion Entomological Branch, to whom the writer i; indebted for suggestions. 



HOW TO COLLECT AND PRESERVE INSECTS. 



By L. A. DeWolfe. 



BUTTERFLIES and moths are more attractive than other insects. On this account, 

 however, one should not refuse to study all branches of insect life. Different 

 insects must be caught in different ways. For butterflies and day flying 

 moths an insect net is necessary. It may be made as follows: Take a piece of stout 

 wire 4 feet long, — a wire barrel hoop will do very well, — and bend it into a circle about 

 eleven inches in diameter. This will leave about six inches at each end to be twisted to- 

 gether to form a handle. After twisting these ends together get an old broom handle or 

 similar straight stick, and with strong twine firmly tie the wooden handle to the short 

 wire handle in such a way that the combination will form one stiff handle. Then get 

 a yard of cheese cloth or mosquito netting, sew it into a bag and sew the bag to the 

 wire circle. Plate II, Fig. 7 shows the net complete. With this net do not try to catch 

 butterflies on the wing, but wait until they alight. Exact directions for manipulating 

 the net are scarcely necessary. After one loses a few insects, one will originate ways of 

 preventing this, which will be far better than following printed instructions. 



The next necessity is a poison bottle for killing the insects. Text books give elab- 

 orate ways of preparing such a bottle. Personally, I prefer the simplest way. I sug- 

 gest that you get a pint fruit jar — or even a half pint jar may be more convenient — and 

 five cents worth of potassium cyanide. Wrap the cyanide in a small quantity of cotton 

 batting to prevent its tumbling about in the bottle, place it in the bottle, and then cut 

 a piece of pasteboard or blotting paper slightly larger than the inside area of the bottom 

 of the bottle. When this is forced down against the cotton batting it should fit so 

 tightly against the sides of the bottle that even tho the latter be turned upside down the 

 contents will remain in place. Add a drop or two (no more) of water, screw or clamp the 

 cover in place, and the bottle is complete. 



The Queen fruit jar is the most convenient form. It fastens with a wire clamp 

 Always keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Don't attempt using a bottle 

 that is not air tight. The cyanide will need renew'ing each spring; and possibly once 

 about mid-summer. It is obtained from druggists. Be extremely careful in handling 

 the cyanide, for it is deadly poison. Be sure to wash your hands immediately after 

 handling it. 



