THE STUDY OF INSECT LIFE 25 



The apparatus necessary for the collecting 

 and study of insect life need not be costly or 

 particularly elaborate. Indeed, there are few 

 branches of Natural Science which in the first 

 instance require so small an expenditure on 

 the part of the would-be investigator. The 

 first point for consideration is the provision 

 of suitable cages, in which our living specimens 

 may be safely housed and kept under observa- 

 tion. Light, air, and a constant, fresh supply 

 of food are all important factors if we are to 

 successfully rear the larvae of Butterflies and 

 Moths. For this reason, it is a good plan when 

 possible, to have the natural food-plants growing 

 in the garden. If circumstances will permit 

 of this, matters will be a great deal simplified, 

 for all we shall have to do with the Caterpillars 

 we have collected during our country ramble 

 will be, in entomological parlance, to "sleeve" 

 them out on to their natural food-plant. 

 " Sleeving " consists of placing a butter-muslin 

 bag over the food-plant, in such a way that 

 the Caterpillars may have the benefit of feeding 

 upon the growing plant without being able 

 to make their escape. The muslin "sleeves" 

 should be of fairly ample proportions, and 

 have an opening at each end capable of being 

 tightly closed by a tape or string. In use, the 

 " sleeve " is drawn over the food-plant, and its 

 lower end tied securely to the stem ; the larvae 

 are then introduced, and the upper end of the 

 "sleeve" pulled up tight by means of the tape 

 or string which is run around the mouth of the 

 " sleeve." 



