288 INSECT LIFE. 



a piece of paper, as shown in Fig. 257, and a memo- 

 randum of the locality and date of capture is written 



Fig. 257.— Folded paper for butterflies. 



on the envelope. If one expects to use this method, 

 it is well to have a shallow, flat tin box in which the 

 envelopes can be carried without danger of breaking 

 the specimens. When it is desired to pin and spread 

 specimens that have been stored in this way they are 

 relaxed by putting them on damp sand, as described 

 in the next chapter. 



Vials and Pill-boxes.— A supply of vials and 

 pill-boxes is desirable for almost every collecting trip ; 

 many delicate insects can be carried with safety in 

 these that would be rubbed in a killing bottle ; and, 

 too, it is often desirable to carry home living speci- 

 mens, especially of larvag and pupse. For collecting 

 spiders and soft-bodied insects one or more small 

 bottles or vials partly filled with alcohol are useful. 



II. WHEN AND WHERE TO COLLECT INSECTS. 



Although insects can be collected at all seasons of 

 the year and at all times of the day and night, there 

 are certain periods during which a very much greater 

 variety can be obtained than at others. 



Obviously the best season of the year is during 

 the summer months; the best periods of the day are 



