BUTTERFLIES OF MONTANA. 



Collecting and Preserving Specimens. 



In collecting butterflies a net is necessary, and some means of killing 

 them after capture. 



The simplest form of the net, which can be made almost anywhere, is 

 constructed as follows: A rod of some light stiff material is used as the 

 handle, not more than five feet in length. Attached to this at its upper 



end is a loop or ring made of 

 metal or some moderately stiff 

 yet flexible material. Upon 

 this then should be sewed a 

 bag of fine netting, preferably 

 tarlatan, almost thirty inches 

 deep; the ring should be not 

 less than a foot in diameter. 



Several forms of folding nets 

 are on the market by dealers 

 in entomological supplies. 

 These nets are detachable 

 from the handle, and will fold 

 in two or more pieces. They 

 may thus be tucked in a 

 pocket or packed in with bag- 

 gage without injury, to be 

 drawn out and speedily ad- 

 justed when necessary. 

 Handles may also be pur- 

 chased which fit together in 

 sections, and are likewise 

 easily transported and quickly 

 adjusted. See Fig. 1. 



Fig. i. A butterfly net. Nets may be purchased with 



silk bags if desired. A silk bag has many advantages. It dries readily 

 when wet, requiring but a few swishes through the air. It may be swept 

 through the air with much greater speed than any other net. It does not 

 snag readily, and has a much longer life. 



The specimens collected are killed in some way that shall not muti- 

 late them. A very convenient way is by means of the cyanide bottle, 

 which is prepared in the following manner: Take a wide mouthed bottle 

 holding four or six ounces. Put in the bottle a piece of cyanide of 

 potassium about three-fourths of an inch square or a table spoonful of 



