xii INTRODUCTION. 



of Zoology" for models of simple drawings. Draw no 

 line that does not correspond, as closely as you can make 

 it correspond, to something in the object before you. 

 Look closely at the object before you put pencil to 

 paper. 



In dissecting, follow the directions minutely : they are 

 made with care, so as to save time, labor, and material. 



COLLECTING INSECTS. 



Make an insect net as follows : get a light wooden han- 

 dle four feet long, and the same length of stout brass wire ; 

 bend the wire into a ring a foot in diameter, cut a notch 

 in the end of the handle, cross the ends of the wire in the 

 notch, and bend the ends so they will run close along the 

 handle for six inches; half an inch from the end of the wire, 

 bend it at a right angle, and drive into the handle ; then 

 wrap tightly with fine wire. 



The ring may be made of a barrel-hoop by steaming it 

 till flexible, and bending along the handle and nailing 

 firmly. Sew to this ring a bag of thin muslin, twenty 

 inches deep. 



The net is used for capturing strong flying insects, such 

 as butterflies and dragon-flies, and for sweeping over the 

 tops of bushes and grass. When one of the strong fliers 

 is taken by the net, the handle should be instantly twisted 

 to throw the bag over the ring and prevent escape. 



Butterflies may be killed by pinching the thorax between 

 the thumb and finger; fold a two-inch square of paper 

 cornerwise, put the butterfly in the fold, and again fold 

 the edges and corners. A better method of killing butter- 

 flies is as follows : Pack cotton two inches deep in the 

 bottom of a Mason fruit-jar ; trim wire gauze to fit closely 



