APHOBISMATA ENTOMOLOGICA. 163 



Leave space, in all cases whore you have not alreadj' got a series, for four 

 specimens. Of those species which are liable to vary much, a whole row should 

 be kept. 



"PRACTICE MAKES PEBFECT. 



It would at first sight almost seem like "putting the cart before the 

 horse," to give, as I have done, instructions respecting the cabinet, before I 

 have said a word as to the mode of capturing the insects which are desired 

 to be placed in it. Such however, is by no means the case : there is no doubt 

 whatever as to the capture of a vast variety of species, but if there is not 

 provided, beforehand, a suitable receptacle for them, they will in all probability 

 be wasted; and it would have been far better in that case never to have 

 captured them at all, but that they should have been left flitting along the 

 side of the hedge, or over the open meadow, or in the paths and rides in the 

 woods. 



Now, therefore, as to the 'modus operandi.' A vast variety of different kinds 

 of nets have been invented and described, but depend upon it, that there is 

 none better than, or so good as the common one, of which an cngra\'ing will 

 accompany these remarks. It is made to take to pieces, and put up in the 

 pocket of your coat. Those who in their younger days have known the kind 

 of engine that is used when you go out on a dark winter night, with a large 

 "bat-fowling net" in their hand, and a lantern with the means for lighting it 

 in theii- pocket, will understand at a glance the whole art. More need not 

 be said by way of description; the figure will explain itself to every one that 

 is desirous to learn. This, I say, is the best kind of net. The bottom part 

 should be turned up, and run on a piece of tape tied to the handles on each 

 side, forming a kind of bag, to stop the captured insects from falling down 

 and out of the net if held upwards at the time. 



The second best, and indeed the only other that I at all recommend, is 

 also best to be understood by means of an engraving, which is accordingly 

 given; but I may mention that though less fitted 'ad captandum' than the 

 one just before mentioned, the present has an advantage, or rather some 

 advantages over the otlier, though on the whole in point of usefulness inferior 

 to it. First, it fokls up into a very small compass. Secondly, it is shut up 

 or put together in a very brief space of time; which when you see thre3 

 Convolvulus Hawk lloths at once, as I have done, is a considerable desideratum. 

 Thirdly, the stick to which the round net is affixed, is neither more nor loss 

 than a common walking-stick, and useful accordingly in more ways than one; 

 add to which, that even when fitted to the net, or rather the net to it, it will 

 often be found very serviceable in "beating about the bush," as you walk 

 along; and if any "scarce article" flies out from its concealment, you instantly 

 reverse the state of affairs, and capture the insect, or — miss it. 



It is then very serviceable, at all events as a 'pis aller,' though inferior, on 



