1 8 THE BUTTERFLIES OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



twenty years, he is able to speak well of its merits. It does not 

 need a stick for ordinary work, and the long end of the socket 

 should be about 9 inches in length. 



The " ring " being made of four separate rods, in addition to 

 the Y-piece, some care will have to be taken when a balloon 

 net is unshipped. It will be found a good plan to leave the 

 two short curved canes in the hem or band of the bag, remove 

 the two straight arms from the Y-piece and the band, place 

 these on top of the bag when folded, and then roll all up 

 together. A canvas or linen pouch or pocket, -opening at one 

 end, may be made to contain the whole affair. 



The umbrella-net, when in its case, looks very like the 

 familiar "gamp." Its chief merit is that it is quickly put up 

 for use, and its principal defect is that the stick, which crosses 

 the mouth of the bag, frequently damages the quarry. 



Another implement of the chase known as the " Ortner " net 

 is used pretty extensively on the Continent. English entomo- 

 logists who have used it speak of it most favourably. Its great 

 advantage over other nets is found in the simple and rapid 

 method of its adjustment for use. 



In connection with nets it may be well to advise the wielder 

 to remember that carrying a threaded needle is a useful 

 practice. Tears and rents are apt to occur, and it is well to 

 have the means of repair handy. 



Some collectors seem to be expert at killing butterflies by 

 pressing the sides of the thorax together. The method is not, 

 ~. ir however, as satisfactory as one could wish, and so no 



more need be said about it. For the happy despatch 

 of insects, the cyanide bottle is frequently used. All that has 

 to be done is to clap the open bottle over the captive while 

 still in the net, then draw the gauze or what-not over the 

 mouth of the bottle until the bung can be inserted, and the 

 whole affair withdrawn from the net. 



Cyanide of potassium is a deadly poison, and no inexperienced 



