314 
SEASONS FOR COLLECTING INSECTS. 
found in moss and under it : the roots and wood of decayed trees af- 
ford nourishment and a habitation to 'a number of insects; many of 
the larvai of the Lepidoptera penetrate the trunks of trees in all direc- 
tions : most of the Ccrainbyces feed on wood, as well as some species 
of Cttrabida , Elaterida, Sfc. In seeking for these die digger is gene- 
rally used, as it is sometimes necessary to dig six or seven inches into 
the wood before they are found. 
Banks of Bonds and Hoots of Grasp. — This is a never-failing 
source of collecting, which may be followed at all seasons of the year, 
and in general with great success: those banks are to be preferred 
which have the morning or noon-day sun : the Entomologist may sit 
down and collect with the greatest ease an immense number of Sta- 
philinidcs. Pselaphi are generally taken in those situations. 
Banks of Rivers, Sandy Sea Shores, &c. — These situations are 
productive of a great variety of Coleoptem, Crustacea, <$-c. The dead ani- 
mals that are thrown on the shores should be carefully examined, as 
they are the food of Silphiadte, SiuphiUnidte, ^'C. May and June are the 
best times for collecting in these situations. 
Dead .Animals, Dried Bon ks, &c. should constantly bo examined, 
as these are the natural habitats of several insects. Dead moles are fre- 
quently found hung on bushes by the country people; under these the 
Entomologist should hold his net, and shake the houghs on which they 
are hung, as a great number of Coleoptcra generally inhabit them. 
Fungi, Boleti, and Flowers, ought constantly, when met with, 
to be examined, as many exceeding rare insects inhabit them. 
SEASONS FOR COLLECTING. 
January, February, and March, — It is not every Entomologist 
that will collect at this early season of the year, under the impression 
that but few insects can be obtained : this is true in some measure : 
however, I have collected throughout the year and in all seasons, for 
many years, and my labours have been repaid with success much 
beyond my hopes or expectations. 1 have repaired to the woods when 
in some parts I have been up to my knees in snow, and, strange to say, 
have taken insects front under the bark of trees, moss, Sec. in great 
numbers, and of species which have been considered scarce even in 
the summer months. At this season the Entomologist should not 
omit to collect a quantity of moss from the roots of trees, which may 
be carried home in a pocket handkerchief and examined, by shaking it 
over a sheet of paper, upon which the insects will fall, and are easily 
discovered. 
At this season also, if the weather is mild, the Entomologist should 
