144 



PKACTICAL TAXIDERMY. 



kinds are employed, the small net with one hand, and the 

 large folding-net with both hands. 



The former should be oval in shape. The frame-work 

 is made by bending a piece of cane and wiring the ends 



in grooves in the handle as 

 seen in the illustration. The 

 net proper should be firmly 

 fastened by sewing to the 

 frame, and be sufficiently long 

 to fold over the lower side of 

 the frame when it is turned. 

 The folding-net consists of 

 two heavy cane bows fastened 

 to light pine handles, working 

 with a leather hinge secured 

 by wiring. The net proper, 

 should be of gauze, and not 

 so deep in proportion as the 

 one previously described. 



The months of July and 

 August are the best for col- 

 lecting insects. Butterflies are 

 most numerous where thistles, 

 red clover, golden-rod, and a 

 variety of flowers abound. 

 Low marshy districts are most 

 productive of insect life, and 

 are the best resorts for col- 

 lecting. 



The Coleoptera or beetles, 

 are principally nocturnal. 

 Some species live in the water during the day, and fly 

 about at night. Others burrow and rest m the ground by 

 day, and emerge from their hiding-places at twilight, or 

 later. Many kinds may be taken, by placing a light at 

 night where they will have free access to it, when they 



FRAME FOR LARGE FOLDING NET. 



