INSTRUMENTS, ETC., REQUIRED. 33 



S 



lessens the chance of fracture. It should have a good 

 cork, which must be perforated by two or three inches 

 of a wide quill ; this, quill may project slightly below 

 the lower end of the cork, and of course very much on 

 its upper side, and may be kept tight by sealing-wax 

 round its insertion. Through the quill a soft wooden 

 plug is passed, not reaching below the lower end, and 

 having a knob at the top, which can be seized in the 

 teeth when both hands are occupied : specimens can 

 then be bottled without the risk of losing those already 

 captured ; and it is best to give the quill a tap before 

 withdrawing the plug, so as to dislodge any would-be 

 fugitives. The safest way in taking small insects is to 

 touch them with a wet finger, transfer them to the back 

 of the hand, and get the mouth of the quill (which may 

 be cut obliquely) over them while they are drying their 

 legs, etc. One bottle of the sort above mentioned 

 should have blotting-paper or a piece of muslin put into 

 it, so as to afford foot-hold and hiding places for the 

 captives ; if this be done, they will seldom attack each 

 other. Another and rather larger bottle should be also 

 taken ; this should be half filled with the bruised and 

 cut-up leaves of the young shoots of the laurel, which 

 will almost instantly kill most of the larger and more 

 rapacious species. Great caution must be taken in col- 

 lecting, for any of the Geodephaga, or larger Brache- 

 lytra, or Telephori, if put into the bottle without laurel, 

 would maim or destroy all its other occupants. Both 

 bottles are best secured by fastening one end of a long 

 piece of string round their necks, and tying the other 

 to the button-hole of the coat. Collectors usually also 

 take with them one or two strong little test-tubes, with 

 corks fitted, in which to place any very choice captures. 



D 



