Setting and Mounting of Beetles 



all, save perhaps some very stiff-legged Rhynchophora, 

 or Lamellicornia, perfectly flaccid ; and the plan 

 (more adapted for small, or special captures), of the 

 small tube with the crumpled blotting paper inside, 

 (to afford foot hold), and subsequent immersion of 

 the contents in boiling water. 



This latter method necessitates immediate setting 

 on removal of the beetles from the vessel of hot water, 

 whereas, if killed in laurel, the setting of the contents 

 of the bottle may await one's convenience. 



(a) A similar method of setting, however, applies 

 in both cases, and the following is a list of the imple- 

 ments, neither numerous nor elaborate, which are 

 requisite for the purpose. 



(1) A piece of plain white paper, and a sheet of clean 



blotting paper. 



(2) Four sable hair brushes such as watercolorists 



use, two flat, about \ and J inch respectively, 

 one small and finely pointed, and one fairly 

 large. 



(3) One fine needle, the end bent at an angle of about 



45, J or f inch from the point, (this bending 

 can easily be effected by a candle, a pair of forceps, 

 and a little cold water for re-tempering), the 

 eye end inserted in an ordinary paint brush 

 handle, and one pair of fine curved forceps such 

 as microscopists use. 



(4) A bottle of ordinary gum arabic dissolved in water 



(the ready-made " Office gum " sold in stationers' 

 shops is not usually satisfactory), and a small 



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