i6 



NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



Fig. 18 Portion of a spreading board (origi- 

 nal). 



A spreading pin is a great convenience and may be made by twisting 

 with pliers a large beheaded insect pin tightly around and near the point 



of a large mourning pin in such a 

 manner that the two form a right 

 angle. The mourning pin is stuck 

 into the board at a shght angle so 

 that the smaller pin is held down on 

 the insect's wings like a spring and 

 prevents their flying back after being 

 put in position. Narrow strips of 

 paper held by pins at each end may 

 be used in a similar manner. 



Directions for spreading. The 



pin is pushed through the cork till 

 the wings are on a level with the 

 board and the legs are arranged. 

 Then take a setting needle and bring the wings of one side into po- 

 sition, holding them there either with a spreading pin or a narrow 

 strip of paper. In a similar manner place the wings of the other side, 

 having the posterior margins of the fore wings as nearly as possible on 

 the same straight line, taking 

 special pains to have the 

 wings of each side uniformly 

 advanced. Secure them in 

 place with broad strips of thin 

 cardboard or preferably thin 

 pieces of mica. Arrange the 

 antennae and after the board 

 is full put it away and allow 

 the insects to dry for several 

 days or a week. Another method of spreading requires still less material. 

 The pin sustaining the insect is thrust through the pasteboard bottom of 

 a small inverted box and squares of pasteboard or thin wood of ample 

 size are laid on either side in such a manner as to be of the proper hight. 

 With a needle arrange the wings on the squares of pasteboard so far as 

 possible and hold them in place by laying on small pieces of glass. By 

 tipping up one edge of the glass considerable rearrangement is possible, 

 or by pushing the lower block gently,wings and all may be moved either 

 forward or backward. This method is capable of producing very good 



Fig. 19 Spreading pin and method of use (original). 



