44, BRITISH OAK GALLS. 
Microscope slides may be obtained with cavities in 
them of various depths. In such the insects can be 
placed, and kept secure by a cover-slip ‘affixed and 
‘ringed in the usual manner. 
If the collector wishes to secure the numerous insects 
that emerge from most galls, they should be put in 
glass jam-jars and fine muslin tied over the opening. 
A little experience will dictate the most suitable places 
in which the jars should be kept. Some require a good 
amount of warmth, some may be placed in sunshine, 
others require shade. All should be attentively watched 
and mould removed when it appears. 
From some galls insects will emerge during the 
second, and occasionally the third year, after the galls 
matured ; therefore it is not advisable to remove them 
too soon from the jars. But there are also others 
which will not yield any insects unless natural sur- 
roundings are very closely imitated, and for this 
purpose ordinary flower-pots with earth, sand, dead 
leaves, and such like in them are as satisfactory as can 
be obtained. 
To have a number of seedling oaks of two or three 
years’ growth, and carry on experimental breeding of 
the makers, and observe the growth of the galls they 
produce, is a most fascinating study. 
Collections of oak galls in museums are rare; very 
few private collections exist; the collector and student 
has, therefore, an opportunity of acquiring an interest- 
ing and unusual amount of material in a little-known 
subject, and of adding to scientific knowledge. 
Preserving galls in their natural beauty is a very 
difficult matter. There does not appear to be any 
known or recognised method by which they can be 
prevented from shrivelling and loss of colour. If 
gathered when mature the hard and woody kinds do 
not alter very greatly. The succulent kinds, however, 
shrivel quickly and lose their colour. It does not 
seem to be possible to preserve their colours or shape 
in any way comparable with their pristine condition. 
