CHAPTER VI. 
HINTS ON COLLECTING AND MOUNTING 
OAK GALLS. 
CoLuecrine oak galls is not at all difficult. Searching 
for them is a delightful occupation. Good eyesight is 
essential, because there are many, kinds small in size 
and obscure in growth. 
The equipment for collecting is simple. A vasculum 
fitted with a broad shoulder-strap is no trouble to 
carry; but if the collector’s object be to make an 
extensive collection, or to photograph the various 
forms and aberrations of galls, it is necessary to carry 
a spacious receptacle for the specimens. Several small 
tin boxes are likewise necessary. In them rare or 
special specimens can be put without fear of damage 
they might sustain amongst the other twigs. 
One essential implement of the collector is a’pair of 
nippers with sharp edges (Fig. 1). They far surpass 
a knife in efficiency for severing twigs. To cut twigs 
with some kinds of galls on them (e. g. Aphilothrix 
albopunctata, A. Malpighti) with a knife is in most 
instances to lose the gall, because the movement of 
the twig will jar off the gall,and when it has fallen 
amongst grass, leaves, etc., it is exceedingly difficult 
to recover. 
When using nippers to a twig which has upon it a 
scarce gall, or a very fine example, a sheet of paper 
spread beneath the twig will enable the gall to be 
recovered if it should fall off. 
A pruner or averancator, with cord attached, is 
another requisite (Fig. 2). When on the end of a 
stick, specimens can be secured which otherwise would 
