FIELD AND FOREST. 7 



against flat surfaces as walls and fences, or if pressed end-wise against 

 a tree or post, the string yielding, as indicated by dotted lines, allows 

 the net to conform to its shape, and any insect that has alighted above 

 can be knocked into it without danger of loss. Another good feature 

 is that when not in use, the rods forming the two sides of the frame 

 may be taken from the sockets and net and all rolled together into a 

 very small space. 



This brings us to folding nets, and although there are many forms, 

 we will describe one which we think infinitely superior to all others 

 we have seen. Fig. 4 illustrates a net frame which we have used for 

 many years and find simple, durable and convenient. The first one 

 made — after an example shown us by Lord Walsingham when in this 

 country — was too "weak in the joints," the riveted ends having been 

 filed flat instead of fitted as in joint d (very much exaggerated for sake 

 of illustration) in our figure, resulting in the wire breaking off at the 

 rivet holes. The whole net frame is of brass, fitting with greatest 

 nicety to secure firmness. The screw should be made of steel, quite 

 stout, and should fit the screw-thread of the socket nicely, passing half 

 way through, and the socket itself should be permanently secured to 

 its rod ; however, a glance at the drawing will give a better idea of its 

 construction than a 'mere description of its parts. 



A shows the net-frame secured to the rod, and as ready for use. 

 B shows the socket g unscrewed, allowing the parts a and b to separ- 

 ate, after which the sides e and /are brought together, and the frame 

 is folded once, the screw c and joint ^acting as the axes; it is again 

 folded at the joints e and/, which are made the same as d, but work- 

 ing in a different direction, and the frame is folded, after which the 

 gauze is wrapped tightly around it and the whole can placed in an in- 

 side coat pocket with ease. The socket g and parts a and b are made 

 of solid brass, the socket bored out as indicated by the dotted lines. 

 When the parts a and b are brought firmly together and the socket 

 screwed up tight the whole frame is held rigid. The screw is made a 

 part of b, but passes through a without friction, so as to allow the two 

 pieces to be separated instantly, when it is desired to fold up the net. 

 Our rod is jointed, making two sections, one about 18 inches long, 

 which is easily carried in the hand ; the other, three feet long, which 

 serves as a cane after a little rosewood knob is inserted in the large 



