6 3 8 
Collecting and Rearing Insects 
and collectors. These boxes may be bought of dealers in naturalists’ sup¬ 
plies. 
Butterflies, dragon-flies, and other larger and beautiful-winged insects 
should be “spread,” that is, should be allowed to dry with wings expanded. 
To do this spreading—or setting—boards (Figs. 804 and 805) are necessary. 
Such a board consists of two strips of wood 
fastened a short distance apart so as to 
leave between them a groove for the body 
of the insect, and upon which the wings 
are held in position until the insect is dry. 
A narrow strip of pith or cork should be 
fastened to the lower side of the two strips 
of wood, closing the groove below. Into 
this cork is thrust the pin on which the 
insect is mounted. Another strip of wood 
is fastened to the lower sides of the cleats 
to which the two strips are nailed. This 
serves as a bottom and protects the points 
of the pins which project through the piece 
of cork. The wings are held down, after 
having been outspread with the hinder 
Fig. 804. Fig. 805. 
Fig. 804. —Setting-board with butterflies properly spread. (After Comstock.) 
Fig. 805.—Setting-board in cross-section to show construction. (After Comstock.) 
margins of the fore wings about at right angles to the body, by strips of paper 
pinned down over them. 
“Soft specimens,” such as insect larvae, myriapods, and spiders, should 
be preserved in bottles of alcohol (85 per cent.). Specimens which the 
collector may desire to preserve in condition fit for future dissecting should 
be killed in boiling water, into which they should be dropped and allowed 
to remain for a minute or two until thoroughly stiffened, and then removed 
to 50 per cent, alcohol for six hours, and finally to 85 per cent, alcohol for 
