Capture and Preservation of Butterflies 



yards of the best and strongest muslin and a piece of 

 stout twilled cotton, with which to make the hollow 

 binding round the wire for strength. This binding 

 must be at least 2 inches deep, so as to slip off and on 

 the ring easily when you wish to repair the ring or 

 wash the net. Get green muslin if you care for it ; I 

 tried green, too, but speedily gave it up, as I found the 

 white net more effective for seeing and handling moths 

 in after dark. 



Do not shape the net down to too fine a point ; 

 rather make it more of a cup-shape and nearly the 

 depth of your arm. And, lastly, while we are on the 

 subject of the net, always carry a few strips of gum 

 paper with you on an excursion ; they are very handy 

 and effective for repairing a damage, say, after contact 

 with a bramble-bush. 



Most butterflies are very impatient in the net, and 

 strongly resent their imprisonment, so either double 

 your net over the instant a capture is made, or .catch 

 the net by the neck, so to speak, with your left hand, 

 leaving your right free for the pinching process. 

 Pinching must be very carefully done, or your 

 specimen may be spoiled. It can be done only when 

 the wings are closed ; you give the insect a sharp nip 

 between your finger and thumb nails, right under the 

 junction of the wings and the body z.., on the under 

 side of the thorax, always taking care not to crush or 

 mangle the specimen. Do not attempt to actually kill 

 it ; just give a sufficient pinch to stun it ; then you may 

 open the net, remove your specimen, and pin it in your 

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