90 THE TAXIDERMIST'S GUIDE. 



are then allowed to dry. Another mode of preserving Cleop- 

 terous insects, such as Beetles, &c, is to put them in a dry box 

 amongst line sand. A row of insects is placed in a layer of 

 sand, and then a new layer of about an inch in depth laid on 

 the top, and so on till the box is filled. This mode of pack- 

 ing will not, however, do with soft insects and those having fine 

 wings. 



It is extremely desirable that all the different kinds of Spiders 

 should be caught, particularly those said to be venomous ; also 

 Termites, or White Ants, the different Scolopendra and Gaily 

 "Worms, &c. The nests of Spiders and other insects should also 

 be sent home ; in short, every insect which is remarkable, in any 

 way, either for its history or properties. 



It is also of much importance to bring specimens of the plants 

 on which they feed ; these should be dried, and their localities 

 marked, the kind of soil on which they grow, and the situations, 

 whether moist or dry, should be noted. 



BRITISH INSECTS. 



Woods, Hedges, and Lanes. — By far the greatest portion of 

 iusects arc found in these situations. In woods, the Entomologist 

 must beat the branches of the trees into his folding net, and must 

 select for this purpose the open paths, skirts, &c. . The trunks of 

 trees, gates, and timber which is cut down, should be carefully 

 examined, and a great many Lepidopterous and Coleopterous 

 insects are found in these situations, and in no other. In hedges 

 and lanes, many of the most valuable and beautiful insects are 

 found, as also in nettles and other plants which grow under them ; 

 these should be well beat, but more especially when the white 

 thorn blossoms in the months of May and June Hedges where 

 the roads are dusty are very seldom productive. 



Heaths and Commons.— Many insects are peculiar to these 

 situations from the plants which grow on them, as well as from 

 the dung of cattle, by which many of them are frequented, in the 

 latter of which many thousands of insects may be found in a 

 single day, in the months of April and May. These are prin- 

 • cipaily of the Order Coleoptera. 



Sand Pits. — These are- favorable for the propagation of 

 Capri* lunarius, JKotoxu* monocerof, LixUs sulcirostris and other 



