2 Practical Zoology. 



moths and butterflies, which often become damaged in a cyanide 

 bottle. A drop or two of gasoline placed on the thorax and 

 abdomen of an insect will usually kill it quickly and not injure it. 

 Hard-bodied insects, such as beetles, may be dropped at once 

 into weak alcohol ; but this would not do for delicate insects, such 

 as butterflies. 



Many insects may be captured directly in the bottle ; especially 

 is this convenient when insects are found on leaves and flowers. 

 Bring the bottle up under the insect with one hand ; with the 

 cork in the other hand quickly push the insect into the bottle. 

 This is very desirable in capturing bees or other stinging insects, 

 ill-smelling bugs, blister beetles, etc. 



2. Insect Net. Get a light wooden handle about three feet 

 long, and the same length of No. 8 brass wire. Bend the wire 

 into a circle about ten inches in diameter, cross the ends, and 

 bend them so that after crossing they will extend alongside the 

 handle. Bend each end at a right angle, so it may be driven into 

 the handle to keep it from slipping off. Cut a notch in the end 

 of the handle, fit the ring to it, and bind it on firmly with fine 

 wire. The common error is to get too long and heavy a handle. 

 A light, quick swing will secure more insects than a long reach. 

 A piece of cane pole would be excellent if a ferrule were made to 

 fit over the end ; otherwise it would be likely to split. The 

 bag should be of cheese cloth or Swiss, about eighteen inches 

 deep and rounded at the bottom. The net is likely to become 

 frayed out along the ring, from striking over bushes ; hence it is 

 best to sew a strip of strong muslin along the ring, and then sew 

 the bag to this strip. When a flying insect, such as a butterfly, is 

 caught, the net should be thrown over to one side by a quick turn 

 of the wrist, so the insect cannot escape. Often the collector is 

 more successful if, instead of running down a butterfly, he watches 

 it till it lights, and then quietly claps the net over it. After the 

 insect is caught in the net, the bottle, uncorked, may be pushed 

 into the net and around the insect, or the insect pushed into the 

 bottle by means of the cork. Many specimens may be obtained 



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