THE INSECT COLLECTION 167 



wide by three-quarters thick. Have a groove one-eighth 

 inch wide and three-eighths deep, cut two and three- 

 eighths inches from the flat edge. Cut these strips in a 

 mitre box into lengths suitable for the size cases desired, 

 twelve inches by sixteen or eighteen is a good size. Var- 

 nish outside and paint white inside. Now, for bottoms, 

 take two thicknesses of corrugated pasteboard, such as is 

 used for packing. Cut these to the size of the inside of 

 the frame. Tack or glue them to a board cut just the 

 size of the outside of the frame. Paste clear white paper 

 over the pasteboard and a very neat pinning surface is 

 secured. Glass may be secured cut so that it will just 

 fit in the grooves already cut in the frame pieces. The 

 frame is completed by nailing the corners together with 

 small finish nails. This should be done before the varnish- 

 ing of the outside. The inner surfaces should be painted 

 before the nailing is done. The bottom may be fastened 

 with brads or with small hooks. The specimens are 

 pinned in the desired order on the bottom and the frame 

 then placed over them. They are then in good shape for 

 preservation and may be placed on the wall for an exhibit. 



A box as described may be made in the manual training 

 department of any school , and makes an excellent exercise 

 for the members of the class. The cost for materials should 

 be less than twenty-five cents per box. 



These boxes are suitable mostly for adult insects, but 

 some of the other stages may be kept in them also. Some 

 forms will have to be kept in liquid. These are not usu- 

 ally so suitable for exhibition purposes and may be stored 

 as convenient. Vials with specimens in liquid are fre- 

 quently pinned right in the boxes with the adults and 

 should be so kept where they are in such condition as 

 to show anything of the original form and color. 



