PRESERVING OF COLEOPTERA. 
105 
As for those spots in which the art of brushing comes into 
play but little need be said, the sweeping-net being almost 
universal in its operation, and consequently attaining its 
maximum of usefulness wherever vegetation is the most 
rampant; and this brings us to the second portion of our 
subject, namely, the consideration of 
The Instrumenta belli of the Coleopterist. 
A sweeping-net is the first thing to be obtained. They are 
well known to all collectors, and those manufactured by Mr. 
Downie (usually to be purchased in London) are the best. 
Not less than two wide-mouthed bottles (with a quill through 
each cork, and some blotting-paper within for the insects to 
adhere to) must be taken, in addition to a few tin boxes (or 
tubes) for the reception of the larger species, and to hold (i 
required) portions of fungi or larvae. It it be t mug 
desirable, a laurel leaf may be cut into each bottle, which will 
kill the inmates in a short time, and at once so stupify them 
as to prevent the possibility of civil war, inter se , w n st i 
will preserve them in a sufficiently relaxed state to be after¬ 
wards set out. This, however, should not be entirely trusted 
to as a means of destruction, and it will be advisable to dip 
each bottle for a few minutes into boiling water after return¬ 
ing home; for the insects which have been captured late m 
the day, and which happen to be tenacious of life, will e 
often so far overpowered as to appear dead; but after being 
expanded, on this hypothesis, they will be found in a fort¬ 
night’s time waving their antennffi to and fro over the car. s 
to which they have been carefully and tight y gum me 
down. . , 
A few quills, closed with small corks, may be put into the 
waistcoat pocket; for, whilst by no means necessary, it may 
be sometimes satisfactory to keep captures o an ex 1 ei ■ 
tare nature (should the collector be fortunate enough to meet 
F 5 
