NETS FOR COLLECTING INSECTS. 267 



etrengtli, but less portability, into three 20in. pieces. Ferrule 

 these in the manner of fishing-rods, so that each rod joins up 

 to its normal length of 5ft. At the top of each rod fix a 

 specially-made ferrule, bent or brazed to about the angle of 

 45deg. Next get two pieces of cane, each 15in. in length, and 

 of sufficient diameter to fit tightly into the bent angle of the 

 top piece; bore the top ends of these canes and tie them 

 loosely together. If the rods with canes attached are now 

 laid down, with the ends of the canes pointing inwards, it 

 will be seen that they assume somewhat the shape of the 

 gable-end of a house, which would fold in on itself by means of 

 the cord acting as a hinge. 



'Now get some stout black holland, which sew all round the 

 rods to within 6in. of the ends of the bottom joints, so as to fit 

 loosely to allow them to be inserted or withdrawn at pleasure. 

 When the cane ends are tied together, cut a hole on the top of 

 the holland, so that you may be enabled to untie them when 

 required. This hole, for greater neatness and strength, should 

 be "button-holed" around. To this framework of holland 

 attach at the bottom some strong black tape, which pass through 

 the holes previously bored in the last joints of the rods within 

 6in. of theu' ends. This prevents the net slipping either up or 

 o:ffi when in use. 



The material of the net itself is the next consideration. This 

 is of " leno," a cheap kind of strong gauze. Procure as many 

 yards of this as will make a loose bag when sewn on and around 

 the framework of holland, when the net-rods are folded 

 together ; bagging especially at the bottom part, so as to fall 

 down some inches when the net is held up. 



You have now a portable bag, or " clap-net," of over 5ft. high 

 by 2ft. 6in. or more wide. To use this machine, you simply 

 stretch it to its full extent and run out in front of any insect 

 you wish to stop, clapping it smartly together and securing 

 your captive in the bag formed when the net is shut. Some 

 little practice is needed to do this neatly, especially with such 

 dashing, fast-flying moths as the " Emperor," or " Bee Hawks.'' 

 Laying down the net, and confining the insect to one part, is the 

 best way to get it out uninjured. To take this net to pieces, 

 the tapes at the bottom and the cords at the top require only to 



