CHAP. XXII. HOW TO COLLECT AND PRESERVE INSECTS 145 



tight fitting cork half way through (c) and pour into it incited 

 tin or soft solder and insert the wires; if carefully done you 

 will have a firmly constructed and very (Jurable foundation 

 for a collecting net. The cork (/O being extracted, will leave 

 a convenient socket for inserting a stick or walking cane to 

 serve as a handle." 



By attaching a gauze bag to this frame a very handy net will 

 be obtained. 



For the capture of the night-flying moths, Fi g 

 many collectors pactice what is commonly 

 known as "sugaring." This consists of ap- 

 plying to the trunks of trees, or to strips of 

 cleoh attached to the tree, some sweet, attract- 

 ive but stupefying preparation, such as diluted 

 molasses, or brown sugar, with rum. This is 

 spread upon the tree, etc., in the evening, and 

 by examining these places with a lantern at 

 intervals throughout the night, many moths 

 which could not otherwise be obtained, may 

 be collected. 



Having captured an insect intended for the 

 cabinet, the next step is to kill it in such a 

 manner as not to injure its form or clothing. 

 For the killing of most insects the cyanide 

 bottle (Fig. 337) will be all that is needed. 

 This is prepared by putting into a large-mouth- 

 ed bottle some cyanide of potassium (pulver- 

 ized) in quantity equal, perhaps, to a small 

 marble, which will depend, however, upon the 

 size of the bottle; pour into the bottle just 

 enough water to dissolve the cyanide, and 

 when this is dissolved drop plaster of Paris into the solution 

 until all of the latter is absorbed; now place the bottle in the 

 hot sun, or subject it to artificial heat, until thoroughly dry 

 inside, after which wipe out the inside with a dry rag or piece of 

 paper; now cork the bottle tightly, and in a day or two it 

 will be ready for use. When an insect is thrown into a bottle 



