i6 



THE BUTTERFLIES OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



that, as these were more especially connected with a higher 

 scientific phase of the subject than would here be found helpful, 

 they might be omitted. 



Collecting. 



Naturally the first matter for consideration, when the forma- 

 tion of a collection of butterflies has been decided upon, is how 

 to set about it. Well, there are two methods of effecting our 

 purpose. The specimens may be purchased from a dealer in 

 such things, or we may acquire an outfit comprising net, boxes, 

 and pins, and go in search of the insects ourselves. Apart 

 from its healthful and entertaining possibilities, the latter method 

 has very much to recommend it. In the first place, those who 

 are at all observant — and no true lover of Nature can be sus- 

 pected of being otherwise — will become acquainted with the 

 objects under natural conditions, and so be 

 enabled to appreciate them more highly than 

 could be the case if they were obtained in 

 any other way. The chief purpose in making 

 a collection of Natural History specimens 

 should be study of some kind rather than 

 mere accumulation. 



The net may be a simple cane ring one of 

 home construction, or the more elaborate, 



but not necessarily more efficient, 



fabrication of steel-jointed ring with 

 grenadine bag and telescopic handle. A good 

 serviceable butterfly-net may be fitted up as 

 follows. Procure a light flexible cane, about 

 3 feet or so in length. Next, a Y-shaped 

 holder (Fig. 12) for the two ends of the cane 

 will have to be made, and either tin or brass may be used 

 for the purpose. The latter is the better metal, and the 



Nets. 



