S-1141001_COMPLETO.pdf

APHOMSMATA ENTOMOLOGICA. 3
It will be found also most useful in thus restoring beetles, and has a
relaxing effect at the same time upon the antennae and legs of the
smaller ones, so that their setting can be easily improved if necessary.
If the cabinet can only be kept against an outside Avail, let it, if
possible, be a wall with a south aspect.
In placing the insects in TOAVS in the cabinet, draw double lines
between each row; it has a much better effect. Use great neatness
in drawing the lines, which should be made with a hard and very
fine-pointed pencil. Put the insects very straight in each row, or the
collection will never look well. Leave space, in all cases where you
have not already got a series, for four specimens. Of those species
which are liable to vary much, a whole row should be kept.
Thus much then as to the cabinet, of which an engraving will be
given, together with a series of representations of all the apparatus
required for the entomological hunter.
"PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT."
IT would at first sight almost seem like "putting the cart before the
horse," to give, as I have done, instructions respecting the cabinet,
before I have said a word as to the mode of capturing the insects which
are desired to be placed in it. Such, however, is by no means the case;
there is no doubt Avhatever as to the capture of a vast variety of species,
but if there is not provided, beforehand, a suitable receptacle for them,
they will in all probability be wasted ; and it would have been far
better in that case never to have captured them at all, but that they
should have been left flitting along the side of the hedge, or over the
open meadow, or in the paths and rides in the woods.
Wow, therefore, as to the 'modus operandi.' A vast variety of different
kinds of nets have been invented and described, but depend upon it,
that there is none better than, or so good as the common one, of which
an engraving will accompany these remarks. It is made to take to
pieces, and put up in the pocket of your coat. Those who in their
younger days have known the kind of engine that is used when you go
out on a dark winter night, with a large "bat-fowling net" in their
hand, and a lantern with the means for lighting it in their pocket, will
understand at a glance the whole art. More need not be said by
way of description; the figure will explain itself to every one that is
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