SETTING-BLOCKS INSTEAD OF BOARDS. 



A method greatly in vogue among the earlier entomologists was to give 

 each specimen an individual block containing a groove for the body, the wings 

 being fastened to the surface of the block by winding thread around the wings 

 and the block. In Holland's Butterfly Book these individual blocks are recom- 

 mended, especially for the Hesperidae. Many entomologists hold the wings in 

 place while drying with pieces of glass, cardboard or thin sheets of mica. It 

 can almost be said that each entomologist has a method of his own and when 

 you become better acquainted with their views you will find, as a rule, that each 

 one believes his particular method of spreading insects is the best. It is possible 

 that scientists will sometime adopt a "best method," but until that time comes 

 I advise each pupil to try all methods and employ the one he likes best. I do not 

 employ the setting-needle, but I can recommend it as the easiest method of hold- 

 ing the wings in place. 



THE SETTING-NEEDLE METHOD. 



Holland's "The Butterfly Book" gives one method as follows: "When the 

 insect has been pinned upon the setting-board or setting-block the next step is 

 to set the wings in the position which they are to maintain when the specimen is 

 thoroughly dry. This is accomplished by what is known as setting-needles. 

 Setting-needles may be easily made by simply sticking ordinary needles into 

 wooden matches from which the tips have been removed. In drawing the 

 wings into position care should be taken to plant the setting-needle behind the 

 strong nervure on the costal margin of the wing; otherwise the wings are liable 

 to be torn and disfigured. When the wings have been adjusted into the posi- 

 tion which they are to occupy, slips of tracing-muslin or of paper should be 

 drawn down over them and securely pinned, the setting-needles being removed." 

 French, Comstock and indeed almost all authorities approve of holding the wings 

 in place with setting-needles. The only objection is that it leaves holes in the 

 wings which, however small, disfigure the specimen, especially if it is mounted 

 in such a manner that you can hold it up to the light and examine its wings 

 closely. 



HOW TO SPREAD A BUTTERFLY. 



Do not try to spread insects which are not soft and pliable. The be- 

 ginner should practice with large or medium 1 size butterflies which are freshly 

 caught. Place the spreading board on the table in front of you with its side 

 toward you, not its end. As you will spread several insects upon the same board, 

 the body of the first one should be placed in the end of the groove to the right, 

 the ends of the antennae being about an inch from the right end of the board, 

 the right wings of the butterfly being nearest to you. Press the pin down in 

 the cork until the wings are level with the upper surface of the board. With 

 the spreading-needle touch the back of the large vein of the right fore wing, near 

 its base, and gently move the wing forward a little way, taking care not to 

 pierce the wing with the point of the needle. Fasten one end of a strip of 

 paper in front of the butterfly, close to the end of the board and to the right 

 side of the groove, by sticking a mourning pin through the end of the paper and 

 firmly into the board. Taking hold of this strip of paper with your left hand, 

 draw it above the right wings, close to the body and close to the upper surface 

 of the wings, your thumb and finger being back of the butterfly and pulling the 

 strip taut. By pulling the strip hard, holding the thumb and finger against the 



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