1934] Insect Collections of a Public Museum 161 
have them continue to bring to you their treasures (or what 
they regard as such). Our only local specimen of Mantispa 
brunnea was captured by a resident clergyman, who had no 
idea of its rarity or interest, and who had previously 
brought in some execrable material. 
What Collections of Insects Do Public Museums Need? 
First, — exhibition collections, of large-sized specimens, 
to illustrate systematic groups and the most striking facts 
of life history and of damage done. These should contain in- 
flated larvae, and sometimes pupae and cocoons, as well as 
adults. No rarities ! Only common and readily replaceable 
specimens. (Do not submit rare specimens to destruction 
by white light! Use boxes with covers, or curtains for their 
protection). Probably enlarged models, showing the anat- 
omy in detail, especially of the mouth-parts, would be valu- 
able. I have not had an opportunity to try them, but I have 
heard that the enlarged model of a mosquito at the Amer- 
ican Museum of Natural History in New York is a very 
popular exhibit. These enlarged models should show at 
least two or three types of mouth-parts and of life-histories. 
I remember what a pleasure it used to be to study the 
New England collection of insects on exhibition in the Bos- 
ton Society of Natural History, faded and discolored though 
they were. Probably in no way is it possible to convey to 
the mind of a novice such a good idea of the fauna of a par- 
ticular region as by the exhibition of its component species. 
Especially do I remember being seated at my table in the 
old entomological laboratory at Cornell University one 
morning when in breezed Prof. Comstock with a box in 
his hand and a small boy with a net in tow. “Give me your 
chloroform bottle, Mr. Morse, and I’ll show you something,” 
was his salutation. The bottle was promptly produced, 
its contents applied, and presently he exclaimed, “There, 
what do you think of that for central New York?” “Hallo”, 
said I, as the great moth was revealed, “Erebus odora!” 
“Where in the world did you make the acquaintance of that 
creature?” said Prof. Comstock, with an expression of as- 
tonishment on his face. “Oh,” said I, “the Boston Society 
