Introduction 



8.— THE ACQUISITION OF DATA. 



Before Entomology became the scientific study which it is now, 

 most specimens in collections were accompanied by no indication of 

 their habitat, and if any such label was affixed, it bore the legend 

 "India," "America," "Amazon," "Peru," "Bogota," etc. These 

 were often erroneous, besides being ambiguous. Students of Ento- 

 mology very soon found that the more exact the information they 

 obtained as to the habitat, the more accurate would be their studies 

 in classification and distribution. With the formulation of new bio- 

 logical problems, especially the baffling phenomena of mimicry, the 

 need arose for data of another kind to be added. 



We point out to our collectors the importance of furnishing 

 adequate data with their specimens, and in 1919 I drew up a schedule 

 of requirements in this respect. This has been sent to our principal 

 collectors, and whilst it may not be complete, it covers the most 

 important points on which information should be sought. We print 

 this schedule below, and would welcome any suggestions in regard to it. 



1. Locality. 



(a) If name is not on map give approximate position in relation to 



a place which is on the map. 



(b) Write a short account of geographical features. This will 



include the general configuration, the presence of water, 

 and distance from the sea in case of islands. 



(c) Nature of the Flora, noting special types. 



(d) Vertebrate Fauna ; abundance or not of birds, reptiles, and 



mammals. 



(e) If a mountain, indicate which side. 



(f) If a river, indicate which bank. 



(g) Height above sea-level. 



2. Climate. 



(a) General remarks. 



(b) Rainfall and humidity. 



(c) Temperatures taken at coolest period, medium period, and 



hottest time of the day. 



(d) Kind of season : wet, dry, or both. 



(e) Prevailing winds. 



3. Time. 



(a) Day and month when taken. 



(b) Taken in a.m., p.m., or at dusk, or attracted to light at night. 



