112 BRITISH INSECTS. 



The pin should be deeply sunk in this substance, as it is more 

 liable to loosen than when in cork. 



It is of much importance to procure the caterpillar as well 

 as the insect, and, in this case, some of the leaves on which it 

 feeds should be placed in a box beside it, so that it may reach 

 maturity. A small perforation should be made in the box for 

 the admission of air. 



Every kind of insect, except Butterflies, Sphinges, and 

 Moths, may be preserved in bottles of spirits, which will not 

 injure them ; when they are taken out they are immediately 

 placed in the position in which it is wished to preserve them, 

 and they are then allowed to dry. Another mode of preserving 

 Coleopterous Insects, such as Beetles, &c., is to put them hi 

 a dry box amongst fine sand. A row of insects is placed in a 

 layer of sand, and then a new layer of an inch in depth laid 

 on the top, and so on till the box is filled. This mode of pack- 

 ing will not, however, do with soft insects, and those having 

 fine wings. 



It is extremely desirable that all the different kinds of Spiders 

 should be caught, particularly those said to be venomous; 

 also Termites, or White Ants, the different Scolopendra and 

 Gaily Worms, &c. The nests of Spiders and other insects 

 should also be sent home ; in short, every insect which is re- 

 markable, in any way, either for its history or properties. 



It is also of much importance to bring specimens of the 

 plants on which they feed ; these should be dried, and their 

 localities marked, the kind of soil on which they grow, and 

 the situations, whether moist or dry, should be noted. 



BRITISH INSECTS. 



WOODS, HEDGES, and LANES. By far the greatest portion 

 of insects are found in these situations. In woods, the Ento- 

 mologist must beat the branches of the trees into his folding 

 net, and must select for this purpose the open paths, skirts, &c. 

 The trunks of trees, gates, and timber which is cut down, 

 should be carefully examined, and a great many Lepidopterous 

 and Coleopterous insects are found in these situations, and in 

 no other. In hedges and lanes, many of the most valuable 

 and beautiful insects are found, as also in nettles and other 



