164 



The NATURAJ.I8T. 



concealing the characters of the abdomen, &c., in some way that 

 renders its identification or description impossible. Much has been said 

 against carding specimens intended for examination, but the objections 

 apply less to parasitic hymenoptera than to most other kinds of 

 insects. The parts of the mouth are only of secondary value, and the 

 leading characters are nearly always taken from the upper surface. 

 Without knowing what others may be able to do, I can say for myself 

 that I rarely succeed in naming small obscure specimens unless neatly 

 displayed upon cards. As to running pins through the thorax or 

 scutellum, obliterating the most characteristic parts of the body, it is 

 generally throwing away all chance of identification. When a small 

 insect of this kind is carded, the legs should be stretched sufficiently 

 to allow a side glance of the coxae, which are often important ; and if 

 the head is prevented from resting forehead downwards on the card, 

 so that the face can be seen, the maximum of convenience will be 

 attained." Notwithstanding this most excellent modus operandi^ 

 minute species are yet and will ever be difficult to identify on cards, 

 as whatever portion of the insect is fixed to the paper, it must neces- 

 sarily be out of sight and out of mind. The entire frame of a small 

 insect subjected to microscopic examination for determining, must by 

 reason of its smallness be important in its entirety — hence the 

 dilemma. For average-sized hymenoptera (small yet not minute) I 

 find that a slender pin glued underneath the centre of a small paper 

 slip, and over which the insect is gently fixed, allows facility for 

 bending the paper and obtaining the requisite scrutiny. For the 

 most minute insects use strong card-braces shaped to a point, — and 

 place the specimen as far on the end as the acuteness of the point and 

 adhesiveness of gum will permit. Where more than one is admitted 

 into the cabinet, more than one brace can be supported by the pin. 



CHAPTER IV. THE CABINET. 



Each youthful collector is inspired with ideas the practical realisation 

 of which is often contracted by the limits of the purse. When a few 

 insects are gathered together, or even whilst there is 



*' About his shelves 

 A beggarly account of empty boxes," 



a glorious notion gradually insinuates itself into his mind, and he 

 must have a cabinet at all hazards. Every power is invoked, and no 

 stone left unturned which can possibly assist in the achievement of this 

 grand object. It is, nevertheless, a mistake equally premature and 

 mischievous. Never buy a cabinet until able to obtain one of a 



