COLLECTING INSECTS. 
rotten wood, in decaying animal and vegetable matter, under stones, 
under fallen leaves (where there is moisture), at the roots of grass 
and trees, in ants’ nests, in ponds and streams. When circumstances 
permit, and small insects are being sought for in dead leaves, etc., the 
leaves should be sifted over a sheet of paper. If the insects appear 
numerous, the siftings should be put into a holland bag, and examined 
at home. Many small insects which would be overlooked out of 
doors may be found in this way. Many insects are obtained by 
sweeping herbage with a net; others by beating trees while a large 
net or umbrella is held beneath. 
Ground beetles may often be caught by putting a piece of meat or 
bone in a pickle-bottle, and burying it so that the mouth is just on a 
level with the ground. 
Moths, some beetles, and other nocturnal insects are obtained by 
painting patches of sugar on the trunks of trees, and looking for 
them with a lantern after dark. The mixture used should be made 
with brown sugar, beer, and a little rum. Apples cut into quarters, 
smeared with sugar and hung up, also attract moths. 
Moths may also be caught by hanging up a sheet with a lantern 
behind it. They are attracted by the light, and, settling on the sheet, 
may be picked off with glass-bottom boxes or with the killing-bottle. 
Some beetles and other insects may be obtained by hanging up 
skins of animals, or the carcases of small mammals or birds. 
Strangely enough, some butterflies are attracted in this way, as well 
as by strong cheese. 
Killing. 
Most insects can be easily killed by putting them into the cyanide- 
bottle ; but care must be taken to see that the sides of the bottle and 
surface of the cyanide are not wet, as the more delicate insects are 
apt to stick to the surface and get spoiled. To prevent this when 
collecting, the upper space may be partly filled with crumpled pieces 
of blotting-paper, among which the insects may bury themselves. 
This also prevents them rolling about and injuring one another. 
Under no circumstances should the specimens be left in the cyanide 
a moment longer than necessary. Cyanide changes the colour of 
some insects, green becoming yellow, yellow becoming red. 
