CHAPTER XTII 

 THE INSECT COLLECTION 



FOR the beginner as well as for the older student of 

 entomology, the collection of insects is the most fascinat- 

 ing phase of the work. It necessitates getting out into 

 the open. It develops the powers of observation and 

 affords at the same time a profitable study and a never- 

 failing source of amusement. And it need not be con- 

 fined to the warm months. The winter insect fauna is 

 extensive enough to furnish the excuse for many rambles 

 over the snowclad landscape. Winter studies of insects 

 are not only possible, but extremely necessary for the 

 person who wishes to learn of insects not only in their 

 active stages, but throughout their entire lives. 



105. Collector's Outfit. The collectors outfit may be 

 simple or elaborate. The one who learns to take and 

 care for specimens with the simplest possible apparatus 

 will be least likely to lose desirable specimens on ac- 

 count of lack of equipment. The first necessity is the 

 killing-bottle. The standard killing-bottle is made of any 

 wide-mouthed bottle into which is put a little pure po- 

 tassium cyanide. This substance is a deadly poison, but no 

 danger attends its use if its nature is borne in mind and 

 the simplest care is exercised. 



To make up a four-ounce cyanide bottle, pour a 

 scant teaspoonful of small lumps of the cyanide into 

 the bottle. Next, mix some plaster of Paris with water 

 until it is just thin enough to pour readily. Cover the 



163 



