1842.] A few Instructions for Insect Collectors. 475 



inches deep, a pane of glass forming the front, and divided in two 

 by a partition, which is again crossed by two others, making six divi- 

 sions in all, each having a door one inch in diameter, closed by a disc 

 of copper which swings on a small screw ; each division opens behind 

 also, to remove the contents, the door there being the whole size of the 

 division. A box with many partitions is also very useful for sending 

 to a distance, allowing each insect to be kept by itself, preventing their 

 injuring each other, which they would do if many were jumbled to- 

 gether. It is a very bad plan to let the native collectors pin the insects 

 as they catch them, for it is sure to be ill done, and moreover, as little 

 pain as possible should be inflicted.* 



Any box will do to dry the insects in, provided it excludes light and 

 ants, the former having a very injurious effect on colours, particularly 

 of Lepidoptera, which lose much of their brilliancy even from com- 

 mon daylight, and the cases containing them should therefore be 

 kept covered. The form of cabinet is a matter of taste, but I think 

 none will be found better than the one contrived by Dr. Pearson, 

 for the Museum of the Asiatic Society. When open, it shews four per- 

 pendicular rows of boxes; of these two rows are in the body of the 

 cabinet, and one row in each of the doors, the latter being made 

 deep enough to receive them ; when shut, the boxes in the doors face 

 the others, and thus light and dust are excluded, and the contents of 

 the whole exhibited at once when required. The individual cases may 

 be of any convenient size ; my own are twenty-two inches by sixteen and 

 three quarters, and half an inch deeper than the longest pin ; the top 

 half fits into the bottom by a rebate three-quarters of an inch broad, 



* A word or two on the " cruelty" of which Entomologists are accused. If by that 

 word is meant "infliction of pain," I must plead guilty, but who are the accusers? 

 Surely not you, my good Sir, who boast of the forty brace of snipe, or the fifty ditto 

 quail have fallen before you. Nor you, my dear Madam, who, since this day last year, 

 have delivered to the tender mercies of the cook, heaven only knows how many times 

 365 sheep, ducks, geese, fowls, &c. &c. — " Oh ! but that was necessary" — Indeed ! 

 " we'll argue the point" some day, or if my accuser be of Wordsworth's " creed," 



That every flower 

 Enjoys the air it breathes ; 

 then are we equally guilty ; for believe me, the fragrant'rose which Chloe received with 

 such a smile and blush— did, when you plucked it, 



Feel a pang as great 

 As when a giant dies. 



