The process of setting insects upon setting blocks is exactly the same as when 

 setting boards are used, with the simple difference that instead of pinning strips 

 of paper or tracing-muslin over the wings, the wings are held in place by threads 

 or very narrow tapes, which are wound around the block (see Plate D, Figs 6 and 7). 

 When the wings are not covered with a very deep and velvety covering of scales 

 the threads or tapes may be used alone; but when the wings are thus clothed it be- 

 comes necessary to put bits of paper or cardboard over the wings before wrapping 

 with the threads. Unless this is done the marks of the threads will be left upon 

 the wings. Some little skill, which is easily acquired by practice, is necessary in 

 order to employ setting blocks to advantage, but in the case of small species and 

 species which have refractory wings they are much to be preferred to the boards. 



The work of mounting small insects which have been relaxed must be done 

 quite quickly and in a cool room or in a moist atmosphere. In a very dry and hot 

 atmosphere the minuter things dry so quickly that difficulties are at once encoun- 

 tered. 



One of the best ways in which to secure perfect specimens is to breed them 

 from the caterpillar, or even from the egg. A stylish and very good cage for breed- 

 ing is shown on Plate E, Fig. 2. As good a cage as this is not necessary, and the 

 collector will succeed with one or more clean store-boxes covered with a lid consist-' 



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