The Capture, Preparation, and Preservation of Specimens 



so that they are not torn, nor are the fringes and other delicate 

 portions injured. In doing this work it is best to use a reading- 

 glass mounted in a frame, so that the operator can seethe objects 

 before him magnified two or three diame- 

 ters. The mounting of micro - lepidoptera 

 taken in the field and put into envelopes, as 

 often has to be done, is a very trying opera- 

 tion. After the insects have been sufficiently 

 dried they may be set up as double mounts, 

 the small silver pins being thrust through 

 pieces of pith held upon a larger pin. The 

 Pyralidce, the Tortricidce and all the smaller 

 micro-lepidoptera should, if possible, be collected in the way which 

 has just been described, and it is only thus that specimens 

 worthy of installation in a well ordered cabinet can be secured. 



Larger forms may be placed in envelopes if intended to be 

 transmitted to great distances prior to study. Larvae may be 

 inflated in the manner described in ''The Butterfly Book." In 

 all other particulars the directions contained in that volume may 

 be safely followed by the student. 



Fig. i 8. Double 



mount. 



As the moths around a taper, 



As the bees around a rose, 

 As the gnats around a vapour, 



So the spirits group and close 

 Round about a holy childhood, as if drinking its repose." 



E. B. Browning, A Child Asleep. 



21 



