insects. 59 



solution of corrosive sublimate, made according to the recipe of 

 Mr. "Water tou 



For the setting up of this class, see the directions for preserving 

 insects. 



> INSECTS. 



Every country of the world is replete with this extensive and 

 interesting class of beings, whose forms are infinitely diversified, 

 and whose species are the most numerous of any class in the ani- 

 mal kingdom. 



Before any attempt is made to collect insects, certain apparatus 

 must be provided, not only to enable us to secure them, but also 

 to preserve them after they are caught. 



First, then, we must be provided with a quantity of wooden 

 boxes, from 18 to 20 inches long, 15 to 17 inches wide, and two 

 inches deep. These should have well-filled lids, with hinges, 

 and fastened by a wire catch, or small bolt. The bottom should 

 have a layer of cork, about the sixth of an inch in thickness, 

 which shoulcrbe fixed down with very strong paste, made ac- 

 cording to our recipe ; and also some wire nails, to prevent it 

 from springing. Over the cork should be pasted white paper. 

 The box should be anointed inside with oil of petroleum. If 

 that cannot be procured, make an infusion of strong aromatic 

 plants, such as cinnamon, aloes, thyme, laurel, sage, rosemary, 

 or cloves, and wash the inside with it. A small packet of cam- 

 phor should be rapped in a piece of rag, and deposited in a cor- 

 ner ot the box. 



"We must also be provided with a quantity of Insect pins, of 

 different sizes, corresponding with the size of the insect. The 

 p : ns used for setting should be longer than those which are 

 taken to the field. 



Bottles, with mouths from an inch and a quarter to two inches 

 in diameter, must also be procured, and these must be tnree- 

 fourths full of spirits, such as weak brandy, rum, gin, or whisky. 



Hunting-Box. — We must besides have what is termed a hunt- 

 ing box, for carrying in our pocket, when seeking after insects. 

 This should be made of strong pasteboard or chip, for lightness, 

 or, if this is no consideration, of tin. It must be of an oblong- 

 oval shape, rounded at the ends, for the convenience of the 

 pocket It should be from eight to ten inches long, four to five 



