KILLING LEPIDOPTERA. 273 



against a tree or otlier object, will adapt itself to the outline of 

 it, as shown below by the dotted line (Fig. 46). 



Killing Insects. — Having caught 

 your butterfly, you will wish to kill it 

 in the most painless and least trou- 

 blesome manner. For this purpose 

 you will require a "cyanide bottle." 

 Purchase, therefore, at the druggist's 

 a wide-mouthed bottle (a 4oz. bottle is 

 a handy size for the pocket, but you 

 will require larger sizes for certain 

 uses). Into this bottle put from an 

 ounce to an ounce and a half of pure 

 cyanide of potassium, in lumps, not 

 founded (a deadly poison), which you 

 will completely cover with a layer of 

 plaster of Paris, mixed to the con- 

 sistence of paste. The bottle may be 

 corked, have a screw top, or glass 



stopper, according to your fancy. A glass stopper is, of course, 

 the safest to confine the deadly vapour given off, but in point of 

 convenience, and especially for outdoor work, nothing can sur- 

 pass a well-fitting cork — rising sufficiently high above the mouth 

 of the bottle to afford a good grip. As the plaster is setting it 

 should be well shaken down to insure an even surface, and after- 

 wards a piece of wool or blotting-paper * should be put into the 

 bottle to absorb any superfluous moisture. In the course of 

 a day, the plaster will be dry and ready for use. 



The insect being captured, you twist your net rapidly over to 

 get it as near to the bottom as possible — a very necessary 

 precaution in the case of a swift-flying or excitable insect. 

 Holding the net now in the left hand, take the bottle, previously 

 uncorked, in your right hand and slip it into the net and over 

 the insect. In case of refractory insects, blowing from the 

 outside will sometimes make them go to the bottom of the 

 bottle. When this happens, you can slip your hand from the 



Fig. 46.— "SuGARiNa" Net. 



* A piece or pieces of blotting-paper cut to fit will be found very handy to introduce into 

 the bottle from time to time to absorb all moisture, and to keep the specimens themselves 

 clean and dry. 



