552 ENTOMOLOGICAL INSTRUMENTS, &C. 



them in woods, under trees, &c., as above directed*, 

 keeping them in some of their native earth till they are 

 disclosed ; or he must collect larva, and breed them ; for 

 which I shall now give you some instructions. The in- 

 sects we are particularly concerned with under this head 

 are the caterpillars of Lepidoptera and of the saw-flies 

 (Serrifera). If, however, in our entomological ram- 

 bles we discover the larvae of insects of other Orders 

 upon their appropriate food, we may often attempt to 

 breed them with success : but as you will seldom thus 

 get species that you will not also meet with in their 

 imago state, and the general directions for breeding will 

 include almost all, I shall principally consider the best 

 mode of breeding caterpillars and pseudo-caterpillars. 

 The first thing is to collect them. In beating the trees, 

 bushes, and plants, while hunting for Coleoptera, &c., the 

 Entomologist will often displace caterpillars, which, if 

 unknown, he should put into a pill-box with a portion of 

 their food : but Lepidopterists often sally into the woods, 

 &c., for the express purpose of collecting these only. 

 When engaged in this employment, the best plan is to 

 take a sheet with you, and when you mean to beat the 

 branches of any tree, place it as near them as you can, 

 upon four or more sticks fastened in the ground, so as 

 to leave the upper surface concave, and it will receive 

 the falling caterpillars when you beat. If you aim at 

 the pseudo-caterpillars of the Cimbicidte, you must turn 

 your attention principally to the different species of sal- 

 lows and willows (Salix}. Your spoils you will put into 

 boxes with their food, as above directed, to bring them 

 home. 



* Sec above, p. ;>29. 



