26 THE BUTTERFLIES OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



same way with the other side. Finally, fix a brace to the tip and 

 angle of each fore wing to keep them from turning up in drying, 

 and a pin or two maybe required for the horns if these are not in 

 a good position. Instead of using braces, a strip of transparent 

 paper may be pinned over the wings beyond the bristle, but in 

 this case the bristle must be pressed across the wings at a point 

 nearer their base than in the previous method (see lower figure 

 in Fig. 20). In lieu of a setting bristle a length of sewing 

 cotton may be used. . Tie a double knot at one end, and through 

 this pass the point of a pin in such a way that the cotton lies 

 flush on the saddle when in use. Insert the pin firmly in the 

 saddle a little in advance of the fore wing, then draw the cotton 

 downwards across the wings and hold it taut, with the fore 

 finger of the left hand placed on it just in rear of the hind wing. 

 Whilst so held the wings can be got into pose with the setting 

 needle, and braces may then be applied as previously directed. 



Fig. 21 shows a specimen set by a method that is in vogue 

 in the north. Blocks of soft pine, grooved and bevelled as 

 in the cork saddle, are easily made. Down the centre of the 

 groove there is a saw cut for the point of the pin to enter, and 

 nicks are cut along the bottom edge at each end. One end of 

 a length of cotton is knotted and fixed in a nick, then a turn is 

 taken over the wings on one side ; these are placed in position 

 and secured by other turns of the cotton. The other side is 

 then treated in the same manner, and the end of the cotton 

 fastened off in one of the nicks. This is a quick and, in skilled 

 hands, a very neat method. 



As specimens after being set will have to remain on the setting 

 boards or saddles for at least a fortnight, it will be necessary to 

 protect them not only from dust, but from possible attack by 

 ants, cockroaches, mice, etc. This is best ensured by placing 

 the sets into a receptacle called a setting or drying house. 

 Dealers supply these, but the young collector may have a 

 knowledge of carpentry and could make one for himself. The 



