Collecting, Mounting, and Preserving Galls 15 



articles enumerated on p. 13, and illustrated on plate 5, are 

 suggested as being suitable. 



When searching over new or little-known ground, it is 

 advisable to be provided with all the tools. It is not possible 

 to foretell what may be discovered, or which implement will 

 be required. 



When only one or two specimens of the various galls are 

 required, a small vasculum, such as A, is sufficient, which, if 

 fitted with a broad shoulder-strap, is no trouble to carry ; but 

 if the gallist's object be to make an extensive collection, or to 

 copy or photograph the various forms, sizes, and aberrations 

 of galls in the manner exemplified in this volume, it is necessary 

 to employ a more spacious receptacle for the specimens. 



If the beginner is not already familiar with the fact that 

 most plants when carried in the hand during a hot day quickly 

 fade and droop, some never to revive again, one experience 

 will perhaps suffice to show the advisability of having a tin 

 with a lid to it : for, although the specimens are put in the 

 tin, a midsummer sun will speedily cause them to wither, unless 

 protected by a closed lid. 



This tin (f) may with advantage be of sufficient size to 

 hold all the articles enumerated. One of the most necessary 

 articles for the gallist to have is a strong and sharp knife, of 

 any pattern preferred. The pattern of knife the author has 

 found most serviceable is that known as a hop-knife (m) with 

 a wooden handle. Into the end of the handle a screw-eye 

 is fixed, to which is attached one end of a narrow leather 

 strap, the other end of which is formed into a loop sufficiently 

 large to pass over the hand. By this means the knife is 

 tethered to the wrist, and, when not being used, both hands 

 are left free for turning over leaves, etc. With ordinary care 

 the chances are very few of being cut by the unprotected 

 blade. The short-handled entomological leno-net (g) and the 

 cyanide bottle (d) may not be required by some collectors ; 

 the author, however, has repeatedly found them of the utmost 

 value during the months when insects are on the wing. When 

 on a long expedition, a small tenon saw (n), with the edges 

 protected by a slip of wood, should always be carried. Small 

 boughs and young saplings are more speedily and easily 

 severed with it than with the knife. A small piece of common 



