GENERAL DIRECTIONS

FOR

Collecting SUB jpregerfcing
Exotic Insects and Crustacea.

By GEORGE SAMOUELLE, A.L.S.

With illustrative Plates.

[ Price 5s. extra boards. ]

y

THE LIBRARY

OF

THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA

PRESENTED BY

PROF. CHARLES A. KOFOID AND
MRS. PRUDENCE W. KOFOID

General directions

pon
COLLECTING AND PRESERVING

EXOTIC INSECTS

AND

CRUSTACEA:

DESIGNED FOR THE USE OF RESIDENTS IN FOREIGN

COUNTRIES, TRAVELLERS, AND GENTLEMEN

GOING ABROAD.

WITH ILLVSTRATIVE PLATES.

BY

GEORGE SAMOUELLE, A.L.S.

Author of the * Entomologist's Useful Compendium.''

LONDON:

Printed for
LONGMAN, REES, ORME, BROWN, & GREEN,

PATERNOSTER ROW.

1826.

C&mpton Sf Ritchie, Printers, Cloth lair, London.

TO

CHARLES KONIG, ESQ.

KEEPER OF THE NATURAL HISTORY DEPARTMENT IN

THE BRITISH MUSEUM, F.R.S. F.L.S., ME31BER OF

THE ROYAL ACADEMIES OF MUNICH,

ST. PETERSBURGH, &C.

MOST RESPECTFULLY AND GRATEFULLY

INSCRIBED,

BY HIS OBEDIENT SERVANT,

THE AUTHOR.

London. IStli July, 1338.

ADVERTISEMENT.

THE lively interest taken by the British
Public in the promotion of every branch of
science, and the numerous Collections of Ob-
jects of Natural History that are forming in
every part of England, afford a convincing
proof of the progress of this delight fid study,
and of the very general feeling manifested in
its favour. If it should be asked whence
this has arisen, we cannot but think that the
intercourse with the Continent has, in a great
measure, tended to awaken these feelings, and
hax naturally excited this laudable curiosity, —
and stimulated an inquiry into those ivorks of
the CREATOR which the most unenlightened
cannot behold without admiration and delight.
As no branch of Natural History can be pur-
sued with so much facility as ENTOMOLOGY, it
is hoped that the following directions for col*
lecting insects (though brief) will be found
useful ',an(d sufficiently explicit : the Author has
been induced to publish them — first, from the
number of applications that have been made to
A 2

him by gentlemen and persons going abroad, to
whom he has been under the necessity of giving
them briefly in manuscript ; and, secondly,
that as Great Britain possesses such vast terri-
tories in Asia, — colonies in Africa and the West
Indies, — and is now cultivating extensive con-
nections with both North and South America ,*
(not to mention the entire possession of that ex-
tensive and interesting country New Holland),
a fine opportunity is afforded for forming Col-
lections of rare and beautiful Insects, as well
as enriching those already made ; and espe-
cially as these objects of Natural History are
admitted into this country free of all duty.
Many persons, therefore, who have been hither-
to deterred from consigning to their friends
valuable Collections of Insects, may now gra-
tify them at a trifling cost; and we would
anxiously impress upon our readers who may
visit or reside in foreign countries, the great
importance of attending to this subject, as we
are persuaded that some of the choicest Collec-
tions in England have received their most rare
and novel specimens from such well-timed and
pleasing donations.

CONTENTS.

Page

General Remarks .... ............................. 9

Directions for Collecting and Preserving CRUS--I
TACEA, or Crabs, Lobsters, &c., ................... J

MYKJAPODA, Millipede, Centipede, &c ........... 17

— ARACHNOIDA, or Scorpions, Spiders, &c ...... 18

- ACARI, or Mites .................................... 21

INSECTA.

Order !„ THYSANURA : Spring-tail ..................... 22

-- 2. ANOPLURA: Lice of Animals ........ ......... 23

-- 3. COLEOPTERA: Beetles .......................... 24

-- 4. DERMAPTERA : Earwigs ..................... 31

-- 5. ORTHOPTERA: Grasshoppers, Locusts, ^
Walking Leaves, Crickets .............................. /

-- 6. DICTYOPTERA: Cock-Roaches ................. 34

-- 7. NEUROPTERA : Dragon-flies, Day-fly, Ca-

mel-fly, and White Ants

8. TRICHOPTERA : Caddis Worms ................ 37

9. HYMENOPTERA: Sees, Wasps, %c 38

10. STREPSIPTERA 40

11. LEPIDOPTERA: Butterflies, Hawk-Moths, }

and Moths J

12. OMOPTERA: Fire-flies and Lanthorn-fy,\

Plant-lice, and Cochineal Insect J

13. HEMIPTERA: Bugs, Water-scorpion, and \

Boat-fly *

CONTENTS.

Page

Order 14. APTERA : Fleas 52

15. DIPTBRA-: Gnats, Crane-flies, House-\

flies, and Bots /

16. OMALOPTERA: Forest -fly, Sheep and\

Swallow-ticks J

On the Entomology of'Java 60

Apparatus 61

List of Plates 70

a

GENERAL REMARKS.

JL HE animals which come under our observa-
tion, in the present essay, belong to the type of
Annulosd) and are cbaracterized as having no
skeleton; their muscles are attached to the skin,
which is hard, or to processes issuing from it ;
and the nervous system consists of a series of
knots or ganglia, brought into communication
by two longitudinal nervous cords. The classes
to which these animals belong may be dis-
tinguished by the following characters :—

* Gills for respiration. classes.
Legs sixteen: antenn*, two 1 j CRUSTACEA>

or four . . . J

** Sacs for respiration.
Legs twelve: antennae, none... 3. ARACHNOIDA.

* * * Trachea for resp iration.

a. No antennce.

Legs six or eight . . . . • 4. ACARI.

b. Two antenncB.

Six thoracic legs : abdomen 7 2 MlRIAPODA.

also, bearing legs 3

Six thoracic, and no abdo- \ . T _

• 11 / O. 1NSECTA.

minal legs J

10

Annulose animals are universally spread
through the various regions of the habitable
globe ; and, like the animals of the higher
orders of creation, are geographically distri-
buted, but are confined to certain limits ; and,
from the immense number of species, the annu-
losa appear to be still more local. Indeed, the
shortness of their life, the nature of their food,
and its abundance, generally precluding the ne-
cessity of migration, we have, comparatively,
but a very slight knowledge of these animals,
by far the most numerous of all Nature's pro**
ductions ; England alone furnishing our cabinets
with upwards of ten thousand species, and every
year's research adding to the number. And, if
so extensive a list can be formed of an island
so far north, and so small as England, what have
we not to look for from our friends on the
continent of Europe, — the traveller in the un-
trodden wilds of Africa, — the extensive woods of
America, — and the vast territories and islands
of Asia and New Holland? It is to be hoped,
therefore, that visitors, travellers, and residents
in those parts, will use their best endeavours to
form collections, which can readily be done with
but little trouble, and at a most trifling expense ;
more especially by residents, as they will possess

II

advantages and opportunities that cannot fall to
the lot of others. To promote this object, the
following instructions have been rendered as
explicit as the nature of the subject would per-
mit; and more particularly, that gentlemen
may be enabled to instruct their servants, and
especially the natives of the country where they
reside, to collect the Insects and Crustacea
which we are about to enumerate.

It may not be improper to allude, in this
place, to the great benefit this department of
Zoology has derived from the labours of Messrs,
Bowditch, Burchell, Cranch, and Ritchie, in
Africa ; of Sir Stamford Raffles, Gen. Hard-
wicke, and Dr. Horsfield, in Asia ; and of Mr.
Brown, Capt. King, and Mr. Hunter) in New
Holland ; as the interesting novelties afforded
by the various collections of these gentlemen,
while they cannot fail to engage the attention of
the lover of entomology, hold out an attractive
promise of the rich harvest yet to be gleaned in
countries, which teem with the wonderful pro-
ductions of Nature.

The entomological specimens received from
America have been chiefly contributed by gen-
tlemen who have resided but a short time in the
country, and whose excursions in search of in-

12

sects were, probably, but few and limited ; we
cannot, therefore, expect yet to possess any
thing like a knowledge of American Entomology ;
yet we have enough to give a stimulus to further
researches, and to afford us abundant evidence
of the treasures to be found in those countries
of the New World not yet visited by the Ento-
mologist.

ffloft 2.

ffigfr

^idZi.

Q?2. 1826.

13

DIRECTIONS

For Collecting and Preserving Insects
and Crustacea.

CLASS 1. —CRUSTACEA.
Character. — The Crustacea are divided into
two large groups or sub-classes: the animals of
the first sub-class, ENTOMOSTRACA, are distin-
guished by having their legs branchial, or fur-
nished with appendages ; mandibles wanting,
or generally simple; eyes sessile or peduncu-
lated. The animals of this sub-class are all
aquatic; it contains the Monoculus Polyphemus
of Linne", or King Crab, one of the largest of
the annulose animals ; it is found in the Indian
Seas, and several smaller species have lately
been discovered in America by Mr. Say. This
division also contains many extremely minute
animals at present but imperfectly known, the
few that are described being, for the most part,
European* Some of the Entomostraca are evi-
dently parasitic, being found attached to the
bodies of sharks and fishes ; others will be seen
on floating fuci and confervse, or when these
are left by the retiring tide, or thrown on shore
B

14

by gales of wind or storms. Several species
may be taken in pools, ditches, stagnant waters,
and tbe clearest streams ; and many of the
minute species have the appearance of bivalve
shells. The smaller species of this sub-class
are best secured in spirits, but the larger as
hereafter directed. [PL I, fig. L]

Sub-class 2. — MALACOSTRACA. Legs simple,
without appendages ; mandibles palpigerous ;
eyes pedunculated or sessile. To this section
belong all those animals known by the familiar
names of crabs, lobsters, cray-fish, pandals,
prawns, and shrimps, the whole of which have
the power of re-producing their claws when lost.

The animals of this division, in tropical
climes, are as remarkable for the richness of
their colours as the elegance of their forms;
some of them are extremely beautiful, whilst
not a few are as terrifying from their gigantic
size, and powerful legs and claws furnished with
spines, which render them rather difficult to be
taken. Some will be found resembling shells
overgrown with weeds, others like fragments
of rugged rocks ; whilst some, from the singular
formation of their feet and claws, might be
taken for eggs or bivalve shells. These ani-
mals mostly inhabit the seas, and even the

15

deepest waters ; numbers will be found on rocky
and sandy shores, towards evening, in search
of food, or left in pools by the retiring tide;
many also may be discovered under stones, frag-
ments of rocks, and in holes, or buried in the
sand. Every opportunity should be taken to
visit the sea-shore after storms and heavy gales
of wind, and the sea-weed and other rejecta-
menta should be carefully examined, as well as
the nets of fishermen. The empty shells found
on the sea-shore, are frequently the habitation
of the animals of which we are in search. The
fresh water species are numerous, and will be
found in rivers and running streams : some few
are parasitic, being found attached to fishes ;
many perforate buildings of wood, piles, &c.
The few terrestrial species yet known may be
found in rotten wood, under moss and stones;
and these, though they may be considered com-
mon by the indifferent observer, may yet be
unknown to the naturalist. Under these cir-
cumstances, it is to be hoped, that persons who
may have the opportunity, will avail themselves
of our hints ; for although many of the animals
of this and of the next class may be found in
great numbers, yet it frequently occurs that they
are completely local, and may never be met with

16

again; it is better therefore to secure, at once,
a sufficient number of specimens, for the sake
of illustrating the variations which many spe-
cies are liable to. [PL J, fig. 2.]

Directions for preserving Crustacea.

THOSE Crustacea that inhabit the sea may
be killed by being put into cold fresh water
(General Hardwicke informs me that he usually
tied them in pieces of linen or small bags, as
they would otherwise injure each other), and in
which they should be allowed to remain for
some hours, to extract the salt, which would
soon destroy the specimens by attracting mois-
ture; they must then be well dried, taking care
to place the legs, antennae, &c. in as compact
a form as possible, to prevent injury. Such as
will admit of being wrapped in soft paper may
afterwards be packed in boxes, on layers of
cotton, which for large specimens is a safer plan
than that of transfixing them by pins propor-
tioned to their size ; but, as they are extremely
brittle, it is better to put them into spirits.

17

CLASS 2.— MYRIAPODA.

ALL the Myriapoda have the head distinct
from the body, and are furnished with two
antenna ,• mandibles, two ; maxillae four, con-
fluent and forming a lower lip. All or most of
the segments of the body are furnished with
two or four legs. This Class is divided into two
Orders.

Order 1. — CHILOGXATHA. Antenna? seven
jointed; legs short; body generally crusta-
ceous. [PL I, tig. 3.]

This order contains the genera Glomeris,
lulus, fye. ; they inhabit beneath stones, moss,
the bark of trees, and sandy situations: from
their very fragile nature they arc best preserved
in spirits.

Order 2. — SVNGNATHA. Antenna? composed
of fourteen or more joints : legs elongated ; body
depressed, coriaceous or membranaceous. [PL 1,
fig. 4.]

To this order belongs the Scolopendra, or
centipede; they inhabit moist places, beneath
stones, moss, the bark of decayed trees, out-
houses, decayed vegetable substances, and ripe
fruits. In tropical countries they are extremely
numerous ; some are large, being a foot in
length ; many are carnivorous, and should there -
B2

18

fare be put into spirits as soon as taken: this,
indeed, is the best method of preserving them.

CLASS 3.— ARACHNOIDA.

THE ArachnoTda are divided into two Orders.

Order 1. POLYMEROSOMATA. — Body composed
of a series of segments ; abdomen not peduncu-
lated ; mouth furnished with didactyle mandi-
bles and maxillae; eyes two, four, six or eight.
[PI. I, fig. 5.]

The scorpion, of which there are many spe-
cies, is the principal type of this order ; some
of the species of tropical climes are, in all
probability, venomous, and will have a more de-
leterious effect upon some constitutions than
others : the poison is emitted through the hook
which terminates the tail ; some little care is,
therefore, requisite in capturing them, and they
should be immediately put into spirits, which
will soon kill them. In a state of nature they
lurk beneath stones, moss, and the detached
bark of trees: we arc yet but little acquainted
with their natural history. After being killed in
spirits they may be pierced with a pin, and
placed in cork boxes as described for insects ;
taking care, at the same time, that they are suf-
ficiently attached to the pin: -it is, however,

19

better to fix them securely by placing two or
three pins across the extremity of their body:
they are thus completely secured from injuring
others that may be placed near them.

Order 2. — DJMEROSOTOMA. Body composed of
two segments, the abdomen pedunculatcd ;
mouth furnished with mandibles arid with max-
illae; eyes six or eight. [PL I, tig. 6.]

Spiders are the animals that compose this
order; they live principally on insects, but in
South America, and within the tropics, where
they grow to an immense size, they have been
known to seize humming and other small birds
while sitting on their nest ; and there is no
doubt but that the poison which is conveyed
through their strong and powerful mandibles
acts as effectually, and as rapidly, on those small
birds, as that of the European species does on
the common ily ; it is, however, doubtful whether
it be injurious to man: it is so, probably, in a
very slight degree ; but this can only apply to
the larger species, which, from their formidable
appearance, are not likely to be handled more
than necessity requires. Unfortunately, from
the general disgust with which spiders arc re-
garded, naturalists have been presented with but
few specimens for their observation ; con-

20

sequeiitly but little is known of them : some
extremely interesting and singular species have,
however, occasionally found their way to Europe,
evidently collected without design, as they are
promiscuously and but seldom seen in collections
of insects. Spiders abound in hot climates, and
will be found in houses, windows, gardens, out-
houses, woods, heaths, forests, the blossoms
of flowers, the crevices of rocks, and on walls,
pales, trunks of trees, &c. Many inhabit wa-
ters, walking on the surface, and diving on the
approach of danger : these perambulate also,
with facility, the aquatic plants beneath ; and
those that inhabit still waters walk on their
webs, previously attached to various substances.
Many species, for the want of nipples, are in-
capable of making silk ; these, therefore, are
under the necessity of taking their prey by
surprise, either by jumping or darting suddenly
upon such insects that may alight near them, or
secreting themselves in such situations as will
insure them food. Many of the species are ex-
tremely brilliant, and are as remarkable for the
singularity of their forms; they are, however,
very difficult to preserve, for no method has yet
been discovered effectually to secure their
colours; it is, therefore, best to put them all in

21

spirits, which will, at least, preserve a certain
portion of their characters.

CLASS 4.-ACARL

THE bodies of the Acari are formed but of
one segment ; the mouth is ros triform, and in
some is furnished with maxillae and mandibles ;
the legs six or eight: trachece for respiration.
[PL I, fig. 7.]

Most of the Jlcari are parasitic, and numbers
will be found on aquatic animals, especially
amphibious quadrupeds ; they also attach them-
selves to fishes : most quadrupeds are attacked
by them, and man does not escape ; insects are
also much annoyed by them, being sometimes
completely covered with these animals : the
dog-tick and cheese-mite belong to this class.
Many of the species are confined to the water,
their legs being formed for swimming; they are
extremely brilliant in colours, and most beau-
tifully marked: they are chiefly found in clear
fresh waters. Like spiders, they must be pre-
served in spirits.

CLASS 5.— INSECTA.

THE class Insect a, or Insects, is by far the
most numerous of all the classes of the annulose
animals, there being, at least, 100,000 species

22

known in collections, of which number the smaller
species of Europe forms a large proportion: the
minute exotic species have never been collected ;
as, in the eye of any but an experienced Entomo-
logist, they are of little importance, — being com-
pletely eclipsed by the beauty and splendour of the
larger kinds. That the smaller species exist,
and in myriads, there is no doubt ; for we have
lately been informed by Mrs. Bowditch (the
widow of the late unfortunate African tra-
veller), that during her residence in that
country, when the cloth was laid before or
after a shower of rain, they were obliged to
clear the table and shake the cloth, wbich was
literally covered with various insects, before
they could take their meal ; and that the num-
bers were so great, at times, as completely to
extinguish the lights, and to become, in various
other ways, extremely obnoxious.

Sub-class 1. — AMETABOLIA.

Insects undergoing no Metamorphosis.

Order 1. — THYSANURA. Spring tail. Tail

armed with setae or filaments ; mouth with

mandibles, palpi, labrum, and labium. [PL II,

fig. i.]

The body of the animals that compose this
order is generally covered with scales or hair.

23

Their motions are extremely rapid, and are per-
formed by leaping. They abound in Europe,
under stones, in woods, on the ground, in damp
hedges, and on the shores of the sea and rivers:
they are generally small, and should be col-
lected in quills, and killed by exposure to heat:
when dead, they may be put on gummed paper.

Order 2. ANOPLURA. — Tail without setee or
filaments ; mouth in some furnished with two
teeth or (mandibles ?) and an opening beneath :
in others, with a very short tubulous haustel*
him. [PI. II, fig. 2.]

This order contains those disgusting insects
known by the name of lice, the species of which
are far more numerous than is generally sup-
posed. Most quadrupeds, birds, fish, and even
insects, are annoyed by them ; and, in several
instances, many kinds have been found peculiar
to the species of bird from which it was taken:
to the Ornithologist, therefore, a knowledge
of this fact is frequently of importance, as the
parasite will often enable him to distinguish
varieties from species. Some birds are more
subject to these pests than others : they do not
attach themselves immediately to the skin, but
are generally secreted in the feathers, and

24

leave the bird, or other animal, soon after it is
dead.

Order 3.— COLEOPTERA, or Beetles [PL II,
fig. 3] are easily distinguished, by having, for
the most part, two wings covered by two elytra
or wing-cases, meeting by a straight suture down
the back: are furnished with two antennae, two
mandibles, two maxillae, and either four or six
palpi : by the modification of these parts the cha-
racters of the genera are determined. Beetles
are extremely numerous, and are found in almost
every situation, as in sandy places, on the sea
shore, and the muddy banks of ponds and rivers,
running about in the sun ; others will be seen in
the above places, but secreted under stones,
fragments of rocks, chalk, &c. seeking their
food early in the morning or late in the evening.
The aquatic species may be taken in ponds,
ditches, rivers, and running streams ; and some
few will be found buried in the sand or secreted
amongst the pebbles of shallow brooks. The
method of taking the water beetles is by the
aquatic net, which should be attached to a strong
stick, and plunged among weeds, rushes, &c.,
and, when withdrawn, it should be carefully
examined ; as most of these animals are ex-

25

tremely active, and soon secrete themselves
amongst the weeds taken up in the net, and thus
easily escape notice. Besides the ahove haunts,
in fine, clear, and calm weather, numbers will
be seen sporting on the surface of the water,
others floating or swimming beneath it; consi-
derable dexterity, therefore, is requisite in cap-
turing them. Aquatic insects are frequently as
local as the land animals; no opportunity should,
therefore, be lost in taking them whenever they
are observed. Again, it is not uncommon for
these insects to leave the waters in the evening,
and fly to a considerable distance : there are also
stated times for the appearance of all insects in
their perfect state ; their lives are brief, and
they, after the lapse of a short time, will be
supplanted by other species ; thus, a small dis-
trict of only a few miles in circumference, will
afford ample employment to an active collector
for some years. Most of the insects of which
we have been speaking are carnivorous, and
feed on others, either in the perfect or larva
state ; it will, therefore, be advisable to put
them, when collected, at once into spirits, by
which they will be effectually prevented from
destroying their companions. Dead animals,
dried bones, decayed vegetable substances, and
C

26

the dung of animals, more especially that of
cattle, afford food to some hundreds of species,
which will be found feeding on the surface or
buried beneath it. They also form subterrane-
ous excavations, sometimes to a considerable
depth, in order to deposit eggs in a place of
security. With respect to the carrion-feeders,
they appear of rare occurrence in tropical coun-
tries ; species, it is true, have been brought from
the East Indies ; but their labours are, in a
great measure, superseded by the multiplicity of
ants, of a gigantic size, which abound in all hot
climates. Traps, or wide-mouthed bottles baited
with flesh, and placed out of the reach of ants,
should be suspended by prepared cords, or insu-
lated by water; and the scent of the meat will
soon attract such insects as feed upon it: the
bottles should be frequently examined, and there
is no doubt that the collector will be soon repaid
for his trouble.

Some of the largest known coleopterous in-
sects reside in decomposed vegetable substances ;
as tan-beds, the decayed roots of trees, and
the refuse of gardens. Boleti, fungi, dry rotten
trees, and detached bark, must never be passed
over by the collector; insects may frequently be
detected, at several inches from the surface, in

27

rotten trees, and may be procured by means of
the digger: this is also the method of obtaining
the caterpillars of the wood-feeding insects.
Trunks of trees in woods and forests must be
examined with care, especially in the evening
and early in the morning, as it is common for
the night-flying species to crawl up those places
for the purpose of drying their wings or seeking
their mates : they will also occasionally be
found, apparently asleep, during the day, whilst
numbers will be seen sporting in the noontide
sun, alighting at intervals to feed on certain
juices that may exude from the trunks of trees.
The moss also at the foot of trees affords shel-
ter, during the winter or rainy season, to many
insects ; which may be obtained by collecting
the moss, and shaking it over a cloth or a sheet
of white paper ; others secrete themselves, at
this period, a few inches beneath the surface
of the earth near the trunks of trees. Beetles
that inhabit the foliage of trees or shrubs
may be obtained by holding the folding net, or
placing a sheet beneath the branches, beating
them with a long stick ; by which means the in-
sects are disturbed, fall into the net or cloth, and
are easily captured: this mode of collecting is
most successfully rrnrsued early in the morning,

28

or before a shower of rain, as, during the heat
of the day the insects are, for the most part, on
the wing, occasionally alighting on the blos-
soms of trees and shrubs, and particularly on
flowers of the umbellate kind. There are many
species of this order that may be taken crawl-
ing in pathways, road-sides, and hedge-rows,
also on the stalks of grass and plants of a low
growth: others will be seen flying in the even-
ing, in clouds, around the summits of the high-
est trees ; while many may be detected by the
light which they emit. The roots of grass on
banks with a southern aspect generally abound
with small beetles and other insects. It will be
well to remark in this place, that sudden inun-
dations and the overflowing of rivers will fur-
nish the collector with some thousands of in-
sects, and that he will have but little trouble i?i
collecting them.

The method of obtaining insects from floods
is, to watch the retiring of the waters, and where-
ever a narrow channel is produced, to gather all
the small pieces of wood, floating grass, or other
substances, which will be found to be literally co-
vered with insects. At this time, also, the rejec-
tamenta left on the banks of rivers may be
examined, and a portion should be collected*

29

these abound with the smaller insects, and should
be put into a bag on the spot, and the mouth
of it tied close to prevent the escape of the
insects. As soon as an opportunity occurs the
hag should be plunged into boiling water, which
will, at once, destroy the lives of the insects
thus secured: it should then be emptied, the
contents spread on a cloth, or by other means
exposed to the sun, or otherwise thoroughly
dried, and then packed either in boxes or bot-
tles with camphor, until we have leisure to
select and secure the specimens thus obtained.
If the rejectamenta and insects be well dried
they may thus, with safety, be conveyed to
Europe : we may also observe, that in packing
the insects collected and preserved in this way
(a method that might be employed for all the
insects of this order), layers of cotton, moss,
or tobacco, previously well dried, should be
introduced, to prevent, in the first instance,
injury from moisture; and a portion of cam-
phor should be used, to keep off the minute
mites, &c. that would otherwise destroy them ;
they should also be packed close, so that any
sudden shake may not injure them, by breaking
off their legs, antennae, &c. Chip boxes will
answer well for this purpose.
C2

30

Before we conclude our hints on this order of
insects, it should be observed, that naturalists
are much in the dark with respect to the larvae
and economy, not only of this order, but of
exotic insects in general. Of the importance of
a knowledge of the larvae of coleopterous in-
sects, suffice it to say, that the natural distri-
bution of the perfect insect, according to the
views of the first entomolgist of the present day,
depends on the form of the larva ; and there ap-
pears sufficient ground for this arrangement, and
there is no doubt that the larvae of the other
orders will tend, in no small degree, to illus-
trate and accelerate these views of a natural
affinity. We are induced to extend our remarks
thus far, in the hope that those who may have
the leisure and opportunity of making notes and
observations on the natural history of insects,
will become as great benefactors to this delight-
ful branch of science, as they who may add hun-
dreds to the yet undescribed species existing in
the museums of Europe. We are fully aware of
the difficulty of thoroughly investigating the na-
tural history of any one individual species ; it
should be remembered, however, that many cu-
rious and useful observations may be made that
will be highly interesting, and of great value to

31

the entomologist, who seeks for something more
than the mere acquisition of new species.

Beetles may be killed hy immersion in hot
water or spirits of wine ; they may be then
pierced with a pin, and when thoroughly dried
may be placed in corked boxes : they require no
further preparation.

Order 4. — .DERMAPTRRV. Elytri- somewhat
erustaccous and abbreviated, of a square form ;
the suture straight ; wing* mcmbranaccous, ex-
ternally coriaceous, large, folded transversely
and longitudinally ; body linear, depressed, ter-
minated with forceps, which are horny and
moveable; antenna* inserted before the ryes,
composed of from twelve to thirty joints, the
first articulation longest, the second very small,
the others short, obconic., or nearly globose ;
mandible* with their points bidentnte; pu.lpi
filiform, terminated with a very obscure tuber-
culiform little body or spine : tarsi three joint-
ed, villo-c beneith; eyes triangular^rBJetilatj
and but little prominent. [PI. II, fig. 4.]

The insects composing this order are well
known by the name of Earwigs: as (he insect
is so very common in Europe, many persons
who reside in foreign countries neglect to cap-
ture them; the exotic earwigs, however, arc

rarely of the same species ; all, therefore, that
present themselves to the collector should be
taken: it is not often the case, that European
insects are ever found in America, Asia, or Af-
rica ; they may, it is true, have a similar ap-
pearance, hut when compared with European
species, they will he found to he sufficiently dis-
tinct. The insects of this order inhabit trees ,
hedges, and gardens, feeding on fruits, or se-
creting themselves in the crevices of wood work
and under the bark of trees ; some few will be
found in the neighbourhood of dunghills, and
others under stones on the sea shore: as the
bodies are liable to shrink in drying, they should
be preserved in spirits.

Order 5. — ORTHOPTERA. Elytra coriaceous,
the internal margin of one overlapping the same
margin of the other ; wings membranaceous, the
anterior margin coriaceous, longitudinally fold-
ed ; palpi short ; body elongate, narrow ; tarsi
with three or four, very rarely with five joints.
[PL II, fig. 5.]

This order contains the Grasshopper, Locust,
Mantis, Walking-leaf, and the Cricket. They
inhabit trees, shrubs, rushes, and grassy places,
and are extremely abundant in tropical cli-
mates, where they are found of a large size.

33

In certain years their numbers increase to such
an astonishing degree, that the vegetable growth
of a district is not sufficient to afford food to
their myriads; and from the scarcity they have
created, are under the necessity of migrating :
these occasional visits are frequently of the worst
consequence to the inhabitants, by destroying
the growing crops and every vegetable produc-
tion, producing not only famine, but frequently
pestilence from the effluvia which arise from the
bodies of the insects that have been destroyed.
The insects of this order should, upon being cap-
tured, be put at once into spirits, that they may
be immediately killed, and effectually prevented
from eating one another, which they would other-
wise do if put loosely into a box ; if they are
pierced, they must be completely transfixed by
pins being placed across their bodies, to prevent
their injuring themselves or other insects. It is
necessary with most of the species of this order
to make an incision along the under part of the
body, and carefully remove the contents ; cotton
must be substituted, to give the insect its natural
shape and plumpness ; if this be not attended
to, the bodies are liable to shrink and lose their
colours : the process is very simple, and a little
practi&e will be sufficient to ennblf tin* cullrrfor

34

to perform the operation. AVhen time or cir-
cumstances will not admit of this process, we
would recommend their being put into spirits.
It is also necessary to observe, that in many of
the species the antennae are very long and as
fine as a hair ; great care is therefore requisite
in packing them, that they may not be injured
by other insects getting loose in the box.

Order 6. — DICTYOPTEBA. Elytra coriaceous,
nervose, decussating each other ; wings mem-
branaceous,with a few longitudinal folds ; max-
illary palpi elongate ; body depressed, oval,
or somewhat orbicular ; tarsi with five joints.
[PL II, fig. 6.]

The insects of this order are the too well-
known Cock-roaches, or the Black Beetles of
cooks and housemaids : the species generally
found in the kitchens of the houses in this me-
tropolis is not, strictly, a native of this country,
but was introduced originally from America. In
a state of nature, cock-roaches inhabit trees,
secreting themselves during the day in crevices
and beneath the detached bark of trees ; in
tropical countries they are large and nume-
rous. The females are generally apterous, or
have their wings abbreviated. The different
species are, as yet, but little known. A genus

35

ofHymenopterous insects (Evania ofFabricius)
are so far parasitical as to breed in the eggs of
cock-roaches: this fly is small but singular in
its formation, and where the cock-roaches are
numerous, the former are no doubt plentiful ;
for we lately observed a number of specimens
in the collection of insects formed in Sumatra,
by the late SIR STAMFORD RAFFLES ; it contained
also many species of the insects of this order.

They may be killed in spirits of wine or hot
water, and afterwards dried and put into corked
boxes.

Order 7- — NEUROPTERA. Wings four, mem-
branaceous, generally of equal size, with nu-
merous decussating pterigostia resembling a
net-work ; mouth with mandibles, maxillae, and
lip. [PL II, fig. 7.]

The L/ibellulcB or Dragon-flies, Myrmeleon or
Lion-ants (so called from the singular manners
of the larvae), the Scorpion-fly, Day-fly, Gold-
en-eye Camel-fly, and White Ants, all belong
to this interesting order of insects.

Dragon-flies are found in the neighbourhood
of waters, are powerful on the wing, and the
larger species, during the day, are fond of
sporting arid hunting in the more open parts of
woods in search of insects. The females inva-

36

riably deposit their eggs on aquatic plants, as
•die larvae inhabit the water. It is necessary to
observe, that the larger species of dragon -flios
vequire the same preparation as described for
some of the grasshoppers; for without this
care and attention the body, more especially of
the larger species, will become of a dirty brown,
and lose all those beautiful markings and co-
lours with which it is usually adorned; those
with slender bodies seldom require this prepa-
ration.

The Myrmeleons,or Lion -ants, resemble some-
what, in the appearance of their wings, the
dragon-flies, but are easily distinguished from
them by the antennae, which in some are very
long, and generally increased or clubbed at the
^vtremities. The myrmeleons, and the other in-
sects of this order, inhabit trees and shrubs in.
the more open parts and on the skirts of woods,
and may be observed flying about: many, how-
over, may be obtained by beating the trees, and
the insects will fall into the net, and thus be
easily captured. The white ants and their ha-
oits are too well known in the countries they
inhabit to need further observation. The whole
of the insects of this order must be pierced
hen taken, and placed in the collecting box ;

37

and, if the insects be pierced through the side, it
will, in a great measure, prevent their fluttering
and injuring themselves.

Order 8. — TRICHOPTERA. Things four, mem-
branaceous; the Pterigostia or wing-bones, hairy ;
mouth with maxillae and lip ; antennce inserted
between the eyes, often very long, composed of
an infinity of joints ; feet elongate, spinulose ;
tarsi elongate, five-jointed ; the last joint with
two small nails. [PI. II, fig. 8.]

The Phryganea of Linne constitutes the in-
sects of this order ; in the larva state they are
known by the name of cad-bait, or caddis-worms.
The larva is elongate, agile, somewhat cylindric,
composed of twelve joints, the three first harder
than the rest, and each bearing a pair of feet ;
the last segment with two hooked processes: in-
habits tubes constructed of sand and bits of
wood, shells, stones, or grass, glued together
by a cement impenetrable to water. The pupa,
which somewhat resembles the perfect insect,
remains shui: up in the tube it inhabited whilst a
larva, but has the power of motion ; prior to
emerging from the water (in which it resides)
it comes to the surface for the purpose of
changing into the fly state. The perfect insects
inhabit trees and shrubs ; and many will be found
D

38

among rushes, long grass, and trees on the banks
of rivers ; towards evening, many of the species
assemble in vast numbers and sport in the air.
As they are liable to injure themselves if put
loose into separate boxes, it is best at once to
secure them by passing a pin through the tho-
rax ; and they will soon die if a little camphor
be kept in the collecting box. We know of but
few exotic species ; they must, however, be
numerous, as they are the principal food of
fishes ; yet they seem to have been neglected
on account of their plain appearance, and to
have been completely eclipsed by the more
splendid insects ; they are, notwithstanding, ex-
tremely interesting to the Entomologist, and
will, it is hoped, be diligently sought after by
the Collector.

Order 9. — HYMENOPTERA. Wings four, mem-
branaceous, the hinder ones always smallest ;
the pterigostia do not decussate each other, or
resemble net- work : mouth with mandibles, max-
illse, and lip. [PL III, fig. 1.]

The Tenthredo or Saw-fly, Ichneumon— Rv-
by-tail, Bees, Wasps, Ants, and Gall-flies, are
the principal insects of this order. TheTenthre-
dines and Ichneumons inhabit trees and shrubs;
the former have a sluggish flight, the latter are

39

very active, and may be found during the day ;
the females more especially, in the pursuit of
larvae, in which they deposit their eggs. The
Chrysis, or ruby-tail, is found in sandy places,
or engaged in perforating pales, posts, and
other wood-work, frequently in company with
bees, who also nidificate in these places. Bees
will likewise be found seeking their food from
flowers in every situation. Wasps, like bees,
live in society, forming their nests in the inte-
rior of decayed trees, but many attach them
externally to the branches ; these vary in size
and shape according to the species, and the
number of its inhabitants. Ants are extremely
numerous in all tropical countries, and appear
to be the chief agents of Nature in removing and
destroying decayed animal substances, which
would otherwise putrefy and infect the air ; the
species are, no doubt, numerous, and deserve
particular attention : we know that very minute
species exist in Africa ; they are, however, but
seldom collected. The gall-flies are not often
to be met with in Collections, although the galls
are an object of commerce : the flies are mi-
nute, which in some measure accounts for this
deficiency ; and here we would wish to impress
upon the minds of those who collect in foreign

40

countries, the necessity of attending to minute
species of insects.

The insects of this order are extremely nu-
merous, and the economy of the respective fami-
lies peculiar ; we have, therefore, to observe, tliat3
for the most part, they are to be taken only
during the day, and when the sun is powerful ;
and from our own practical knowledge we should
recommend the beating of the trees early in the
morning, and searching diligently in the places
we have mentioned.

Hymenopterous insects may very frequent-
ly be taken by the forceps, and a slight pinch
will so far cripple them as to enable the Col-
lector to secure them. They maybe put into se-
parate pill boxes, or pierced with a pin when
taken ; there are but few that require any fur-
ther preparation.

Order 10. — STREPSIPTERA. Wings two, lon-
gitudinally folded; mouth with mandibles. —
[PI. Ill, fig. 2.]

The singular insects which form this order
are very minute, but extremely interesting ; the
few species yet discovered are parasitic, and in
the larva and perfect state inhabit the bodies of
bees and wasps. As a further illustration of
the economy of these insects, we cannot do

41

better than quote the observations of MR. Km-
BY, who first discovered it in England, and says,
" I had previously more than once observed
upon other species (of Bees) something that I
took to be an acarus, which appeared to be im-
movably fixed, just at the inosculations of the
dorsal segments af the abdomen ; at length,
finding three or four upon a specimen of Melitta
nigro-cenea, I determined not to lose that op-
portunity of taking one off to examine and de-
scribe; but what was my astonishment when,
upon my attempting to disengage it with a pin,
I drew forth from the body of the Melitta a
white fleshy larva, a quarter of an inch in length,
the head of which I had mistaken for an
acarus ! After I had examined one specimen, I
attempted to extract a second ; and the reader
may imagine how greatly my astonishment was
increased, when, after I had drawn it out but a
little way, I saw its skin burst, and a head as
black as ink, with large staring eyes, and an ten-
rise consisting of two branches, break forth,
and move itself briskly from side to side. It
looked like a little imp of darkness just emerg-
ing from the infernal regions. My eagerness to
set free from its confinement this extraordinary
D2

42

animal may be easily conjectured. Indeed I
was impatient to become better acquainted with
so singular a creature. When it was completely
disengaged, and I had secured it from making
its escape, I set myself to examine it as accu-
rately as possible ; and I found, after a careful
inquiry, that I had not only got a non-descript,
but also an insect of a new genus, whose very class
seemed dubious." These insects, though rarely,
have been taken flying near the nests of bees.

Order 11. — LEPIDOPTERA. Wings four, mem -
branaceous, covered with meal-like scales ;
mouth with a spiral tongue. [PL III, fig. 3.]

This order contains those very beautiful and
splendid insects, the Butterflies, Hawk-moths,
and Moths, whose extreme brilliancy has in-
duced many persons to take up the study of
Entomology, who would otherwise have remained
ignorant of this delightful science. Butterflies
appear during the day, and abound in hot
climates ; many of the species are extremely
local, and from the shortness of their lives
require greater assiduity in the Collector, and
a wider range of search, than is generally
supposed. As an illustration of this fact, we
must observe, that the number of the Papi-

48

lionidse found in England is about seventy-two:
of this number not more than fifty are to be
met within twenty-five miles of London ; of
these again, several are confined to the vicinity
of a chalk cliff, or are peculiar to a meadow or a
certain wood ; and, even in these situations,
their appearance in the perfect state is limited
but to a few days, and at a certain season of the
year. Of the remaining number, not found
within this distance from London, some are
confined to fens near a hundred miles from the
metropolis, and others to the mountains of
Scotland ; but equally limited in the times of
appearance and shortness of their lives. There
is also another circumstance in the history of
these insects that must not be passed over in
silence ; that there are several species of insects
which, from some hitherto unknown cause, ap-
pear in the season, but only in certain years,
when they will be found in abundance, and
probably extended over a vast tract of the
country, but again disappear for sometime, and
not a single specimen is to be found for a period
of many years, when they will again be seen as
plentiful as before. This is a circumstance
that is not confined to England, where it might
be attributed to our "ever varying clime:" it

44

occurs also in tropical countries; for DR. HOKS-
FIELD informs me, that the first year he began
to collect the insects of Java he met with a cer-
tain species of Papilio in abundance, and spread
all over the island ; at this time he fortunately
secured a quantity, but, wishing to replace
some injured specimens, he afterwards sought
in the most likely places, and at the same season
of the year, for several successive years, but
never met with them afterwards. Butterflies
% only during the day, and are found on the
skirts of woods, and in the open parts or plains ;
some are peculiar to extensive marshes, and
many are confined to chalky districts and mea-
dows. The best method of catching them is with
the FOLDING NET: the insect, when secured, must
be pinched in the thorax, at the insertion of the
wings, rather smartly, and a pin passed through
the thorax or side: for the larger species, the
latter method will frequently be found the best,
as it will prevent them from fluttering and in-
juring their wings when put into the collecting
box.

The Hawk-moths fly during the night, not
commencing their flight until very late in the
evening, except those species denominated clear-
winged sphinges , most of which feed, during

45

the larva state, in the wood of trees, from
which they emerge early in the morning, and
will at this time be found sticking against the
trunks of the trees, until their wings become
sufficiently expanded and dried, when they take
wing and fly with the greatest rapidity. But
they may occasionally be found feeding on the
nectar of flowers, into the blossom of which
they dart their long tongues, whilst they remain,
like humming-birds, suspended on the wing in
the air. Moths are far more extensive in the
number of species than either of the before-
mentioned tribes, but appear more difficult to
be obtained, if we may judge from the state of
various collections ; indeed, this difficulty is
increased, as but few of these insects fly during
the day, and then dart along with a rapidity
that often puts the Collector at defiance : a
few, however, may occasionally be disturbed
from their retreats by beating about beath and
long grass ; and these will fly only for a short
distance and settle again, but often so secrete
themselves as to completely elude the most
vigilant research : the Collector must, therefore,
be active, and, with his net always ready, pursue
and capture them before they again settle, or
they will be lost for ever. The same will also

46

occur in woods and their neighbour hood. The
far greater proportion of moths may, however,
be taken in the abovementionod places, towards
the close of the day, or about two hours before
sunset; the minute species are generally found
at this time: the hedges also should be beaten
occasionally and lightly, which will induce many
to take to the wing ; the smaller species seldom fly
for more than an hour, when they are succeeded
by the Phalcena arid Geometra, which are larger,
but light on the wing. These will be found
sporting about on fine evenings for a consider-
able time, indeed till twilight, when they cease
to fly: the Noctu&iBombyces, and Hawk-moths
will then appear; and on moonlight and fine
nights will continue on the wing until midnight.
The most successful places for mothing are the
skirts of woods under the wind, where there is
abundance of plants in blossom, as it is the
nectar of flowers on which they feed. Great
numbers will also be observed in marshy and
swampy places, and on the aquatic plants that
grow in ditches and on the banks of rivers.

The best method, however, of obtaining the
finest specimens of the Lepidoptera is to collect
the larvae, or caterpillars, and feed them in
cages on the plants on which they are found:

47

the larvae are obtained by beating tlie hedges
and the trees early in the morning,, as most of
them feed in the night, and retire soon after sun-
rise; they are, therefore, but seldom to be met
with during the day. Caterpillars are found
in Europe from the spring until the autumn
of the year; and some few live through the
winter,evenin this state : they, however, decrease
in bulk, but are still attached to the stems of
trees ; on the rising of the sap and the budding
of the trees they resume their usual vigour,
feeding on the more tender shoots, and retiring
to the pupa state before the trees are in leaf;
we make this observation, because in tropical
countries, where trees are ever green, many
larvae, no doubt, remain in this state during the
rainy season. Most larvse are obtained in Eng-
land, about the middle of the spring and the end
of summer, or in May and September.

Many of the larvse of moths feed on the bodies
of decayed trees, and others on the roots of
grass ; these, when obtained, should be put into
cages, and constantly supplied with fresh grass,
that the roots may furnish them with food ; de-
cayed wood must also be put into the cages, as
many species form their coccoons of it. Those

48

persons who may have the leisure to make ac-
curate drawings of the larvae, will render a most
essential service to natural history by so doing ;
and any little observation connected with their*
economy should be noted. This order of insects
require no further preparation than merely
passing a pin through the thorax ; but as some
would live for a considerable time empaled in
this way, and this mode of killing them must be
repugnant to every feeling mind, we shall
merely state, that we have succeeded in destroy-
ing the life of the largest moth, by immersing
the body in boiling water : it is further neces-
sary to observe, that the whole of the body must
remain under water for the space of half a mi-
nute : the water must be quite clean, and free
from every kind of grease ; the wings should be
pressed together, and held firm by the finger
and thumb, so that the upper surfaces be not
rubbed, which would spoil the specimen ; the
insect should be then put on blotting paper, to
extract the moisture, and may afterwards be
placed on a corked board to dry. These in-
sects are said to be readily killed by dipping
the pin into aquafortis previously to passing it
through the insect : should this be found suffi-

49

cient, it is a most convenient mode for travel-
lers, who may not have the opportunity of im-
mersing them in boiling water. With respect
to the smaller species, they arc, in general, soon
killed, as passing the pin through them will fre-
quently deprive them of life in a few minutes ;
but the usual method is, to collect the very mi-
nute moths in separate pillboxes, and kill them
by the fumes of sulphur. The following is the
best method of effecting this : elevate the lid of
the box sufficiently to admit the fumes of the
sulphur, without letting the insect escape ; then
place the box under a bason and light a match,
or put a little sulphur on the end of some paper,
and place it under the bason : in the space of a
few minutes the insects will be all killed, and
may then be pierced and put away into boxes.

Order 12. — OMOPTERA. Rostrum attached to
the inferior part of the head ; elytra coriaceous
or mcmbranaceous throughout, suture straight ;
thorax composed of two segments, the second
as long or longer than the first ; ocelli three.
[PL III, fig. 4.]

The celebrated Fire-fly, Lanthorn-fly, Cicada

or Frog-hopper, the Plant-lice, and Cochineal

insect, are the principal insects belonging to

this order. As yet, but few species are known of

E

50

the Fire-flies ; there is little doubt, however,
that many more are to be discovered in the inte^
rior of India. The Cicadse appear to abound in
tropical climes, and the species are numerous :
many of those brought from Sumatra by SIR
STAMFORD RAFFLES were very large, and, from
the number of specimens, appear to have been
extremely common. The males make a loud
chirrupping noise, and in New Holland are
known by the name of Razor Grinders, from
their singular note. The plant-lice are minute.,
and peculiar to each species of plant ; it, there-
fore, requires a knowledge of Botany to become
acquainted with them ; they are also very diffi-
cult to preserve : under these disadvantages it
will be necessary to procure specimens of the
plants on which they are found, and such me-
moranda should be made at the time as will en-
able the botanist to identify the species. It would
also be advisable to preserve the different species
in separate pill boxes, with a number that may
correspond with the observation, and likewise
agreeing with the number of the plant. The
Coccus, or cochineal insect, has much the ap-
pearance of the buds of plants, as it attaches
itself so close to the smaller branches ; these
scale-like animals may be detached from the

51

treeg by means of a pen-knife : they are, for
the most part, minute, especially the males^
which are furnished with wings, and from their
diminutive size are not easily detected, except
narrowly watched ; and should he sought for in
those situations where the females are found in
abundance : like the Aphides, they are only
seen on certain plants, and from the observa-
tions of Naturalists, it appears that each species
of plant has its peculiar Aphis and Coccus. We
should advise that the same method be adopted
in preserving the Cocci as mentioned for the
Aphidse.

The Fulgora and Cicada may be pierced with
a pin, or put into spirits, unless the bodies are
very cottony, which is the case with many ; and
when this occurs, we should advise that they be
pierced on the spot, and placed in the collecting
box.

Order 13. — HEMIPTERA. Rostrum attached
to the anterior extremity of the head ; elytra
somewhat crustaceous or coriaceous, with the
apex membranaceous, placed in a horizontal di-
rection, one decussating the other ; thorax with
the first segment (which bears the feet) larger
than the following one ; haustellum with three

52

setae; ocelli or little eyes, two, one being obso-
lete. [PL III, fig. 5.]

The Cimex or Bug, the Water-scorpion, and
the Boat-fly belong to this order : the species
are numerous, and many are extremely beau-
tiful in their colours ; others are as remarkable
for their size and singular forms. Cimices in-
habit trees, shrubs, and ferns, feeding on the
juices of plants and animals, but principally on
the larvse of lepidopterous insects; many will
be found crawling in grassy places and at the
roots of grass, as well as on rushes in marshy
situations: some few inhabit beneath the de-
tached bark of decayed trees. The Water-scor-
pion and Boat-flies are found in the waters, and
may be taken by means of the aquatic net. The
insects, when captured, should be immediately
pierced and placed in the corked collecting box,
or put into separate pill boxes, and killed either
by sulphur or hot water: as they are very brittle
when dry, they should be pierced while in a re-
cent state.

Order 14. — APTERA. No wings or elytra ;
mouth with a tubular, jointed, sucking rostrum ;
body ovate compressed, covered with a coriace-
ous skin, and composed of several segments ;

53

short; consisting of three legs bearing
joints ; head small, compressed, rounded above.,
and truncate before ; eyes minute, orbicular,
lateral ; antennae lamelliform, small, ciliated
with spirules, one -join ted at their base, in-
serted in two excavations behind the eyes \palpi
filiform (composed of four rounded joints)
scarcely longer than the head, porrect, gene-
rally resting on the rostrum ; legs strong, and
formed for jumping, especially the hinder ones ;
COXCB and thighs large, compressed ; tarsi elon-
gate, cylindric, composed of five simple joints,
the last articulation furnished with two long,
acute, and slender nails. [PL III, fig. 6.]

The common Bed-flea is the best example of
this order. It is not generally known that
many birds and quadrupeds are much annoyed
by fleas, more especially the latter, and from
an examination of those taken from the mole,
squirrel, and bat, there is no doubt of their
being distinct species from the bed-flea: under
these circumstances, the fleas of birds and
quadrupeds should be carefully collected, and
the name of the animal whence it is taken
should be attached. These small animals should
be collected in quills, and killed in hot water :
E2

54

they should afterwards be put on gummed
paper.

Order 15. — DIPTERA. Wings two, naked,
unprotected ; halteres (poisers or balancers)
placed behind, and generally beneath the wings ;
head distinct from the thorax by an evident in-
terval; proboscis (rarely wanting) univalve ;
tar si , with two simple nails. [PI. Ill, fig. 7-]

Tl>c Dipt era are easily distinguished from
the other orders of insects by having only two
wings. They are extremely numerous, and many
of the exotic species are very large. This
order contains the Tipuliada or Crane-flies,
Gnats, House-flies, the Bots of Cattle, &c. —
The Diptcra of foreign climes are certainly less
known than any other order of insects ; those
persons, therefore, who may have the opportu-
nity, will render a most essential service to En-
tomology by collecting them: they feed, for the
raost part, on animal and vegetable juices, and
are generally quick on the wing ; they are found
in the blossoms of flowers in woods, meadows,
banks of rivers, and morasses ; during the day
they are on the wing, and may often be taken
while settling on flowers and the trunks of
trees, especially before rain ; when they may

55

be easily captured, either with the forceps or
net. The JEstridcB orBots, when in the larva
state, cause the large pustules frequently to be
seen on the backs of cattle ; but many of the
perfect insects deposit their eggs on the hair of
the animal, and pass into the stomach in con-
sequence of its licking itself : the pupse of the
latter will be found in the dung of horses at
certain seasons of the year ; others in the larva
state inhabit the frontal sinuses of sheep and
deer, and the perfect insects will be found on
stones and places contiguous to the resort of
these animals. The insects of this order should
be pierced as soon as taken : no further prepa-
ration is requisite.

Order 16.— OMALOPTERA. Mouth with man-
dibles and maxillss ; lip simple ; wings two or
none. [PL III, fig. 8.]

The Forest Fly, Sheep and Swallow-tick, arc
of this order ; there are many other species in-
habiting both quadrupeds and birds: very few
exotic species are known ; those found on the
camel and tiger, however, have been described.

Having now concluded our directions for col-
lecting insects, it may not be amiss to add some
observations by Mr. W. Macleay, relating to
the insects of Java collected by Dr. Horsfield:

tt

and as in formation of this nature is seldom to
be met with, it cannot fail of being acceptable
to our readers* The collection formed in Java
by Dr. Horsfield, is, without doubt, the most
perfect that has ever reached England from
the Indian Archipelago ; the number of the spe*
cimens exceeding 20,000, and the whole being in
the highest state of preservation* From these
valuable materials, it is likely that the students
of Entomology will reap the most important
benefits; Mr. W. Macleay, whose liberal and
enlarged views of his favourite science place
him at the head of our British Entomologists,
having commenced a descriptive Catalogue of
the Insects of Java, accompanied with some
excellent remarks on their natural distribution.
From the first part of this work we extract the
following useful observations on the locality of
certain Javanese Insects : —

•" In the year 1812, or soon after the conquest
of Java by the British arms, Dr. Horsfield's
original plans were considerably enlarged, in
consequence of the liberal patronage which was
bestowed on his researches by the Honourable
East India Company, through the friendly me-
dium of Sir Stamford Raffles, the Lieutenant-
Go vernor of the Island. At this time, Dr. Hors-

57

field was established in an extensive plain, ele-
vated nearly 200 feet above the level of the
ocean, and situated near the middle of the
island, in regard both to its length and breadth.
This plain is highly fertile, and, with very little
exception, is in a complete state of culture.
The soil is a deep vegetable mould, which,
near the banks of several large rivers that flow
through it, is mixed with sand. Here the col-
lection of insects was carried on with zeal and
perseverance, not only by Dr.Horsfield himself,
but by various native assistants, who had been
properly trained to this pursuit. His attention,
as may be conceived, soon extended itself to all
annulose animals, without exception ; and his
assistants were, accordingly, instructed to look
for them in every situation, and, as far as pos-
sible, to leave no place unexamined. During
these researches therefore, the party, being
provided with all the usual implements of en-
tomological collectors, neglected none of the
ordinary resorts of insects, such as flowers, de-
cayed wood, carcases of dead animals, ponds, &c.,
and consequently, the collection now in the
possession of the East India Company may very
fairly be considered as affording a general view
of the Entomology of the abovementioned plain.

58

When any remarkable deficiency is observed in
particular natural groups, we may at least con-
clude that such insects are, on this plain, com-
paratively very rare. According to Dr. Hors-
field's general observation, indeed, those insects
which live on plants, shrubs, and trees, are ex-
tremely abundant in Java; while such as are,
in more temperate climates, commonly found
in various situations near the surface of the
earth, are limited to a few families. At the
same time, however, it will be well to bear in
mind, on regarding the immense proportion of
herbivorous insects in the collection, that, from
the nature of Dr. Horsfield's more immediate
pursuits, he was particularly led to collect on
plants.

" From the plain just mentioned, in which, on
account of the extension of agriculture and a
numerous population, the variety of vegetable
arid animal productions is necessarily limited,
Dr. Horsfield often made journies, in different
directions, through the more wild and uninha-
bited parts of the island. Some of these were
undertaken almost exclusively for entomological
research, and were particularly directed, at the
proper seasons, to a long range of hills, ex-
tending parallel to the southern coast of the

59

island, and rising to an elevation of 2000 feet
above the level of the ocean.

" The base of this range is of a mixed nature ;
partly calcareous, partly trappean, and the hills
are covered with trees and shrubs, although in
many places the vegetation is less abundant and
luxuriant than in the volcanic district, which
constitutes a long series in the centre of the
island. And here may be stated a curious
circumstance in entomological geography, ob-
served by Dr. Horsfield ; namely, that the tem-
perature which exists from an elevation of
1000 to that of 2000 feet above the level of the
ocean, is most productive of coleopterous in-
sects; and consequently, that this order oc-
curred more abundantly in the southern and
lower central ranges. The lepidoptera, on
the other hand, appeared to be most abundant
at an elevation of between 3000 and 4000 feet ;
that is, on the declivities of the high volcanic
peaks. On such lofty situations, the luxuri-
ance of vegetation greatly exceeds that of the
southern ranges; and here, at the height of
nearly 4000 feet above the level of the sea,
multitudes of the most brilliant and rare lepi-
doptera were taken ; and from the quantity of
larvae observed by Dr. Horsfield, he conceives

60

that many more species remain still to be col-
lected.

" If the Collection can be considered defective,
Dr. Horsfield imagines that it is only scanty in
such species as may be peculiar to the districts
which extend from the immediate confines of
the ocean to an elevation of 200 feet. On the
south coast the hills rise so abruptly from the
sea to an elevation of several hundred feet,
that probably few species were lost by those
shores not having been examined ; but along the
northern coast of the island, which in many
cases is low, and bounded by extensive plains
of sands, there possibly remains much to be
discovered." — Maclcay's Annulosa Javanica,
No.l.

61

APPARATUS.

THE apparatus used for taking insects is few
and simple: the following instruments are in-
dispensable, and will be found to answer every
necessary purpose.

1. A NET, similar in its construction to a
bat-fowling net: this is generally made of fine
gauze or coarse muslin, and may be either
green or white ; the advantage of the latter is,
that minute insects are sooner discovered than
if the net be green, but the green-coloured is
generally preferred, being less conspicuous, and
better adapted for mothing. The net-rod should
be made of ash, beech, hazel, or other tough
wood ; and from three to five feet in length,
round, smooth, and gradually tapering from the
base, which should be about an inch in diameter.
At the top of each rod an angular ferrule is
fixed, so as to form a right angle with the
rest of the rod ; the cross pieces should be of
cane, and fitted into the ferrules : for the con-
venience of carriage, each rod is divided into
three pieces, which are fitted together by means
of ferrules, and rendered similar to a fishing
F

62

I' oil. The net must be bound with a broad
welt of ribbon or cloth, for the sticks to pass
through ; at the top or centre, where the cross-
pieces meet, a bit of wash-leather should be
sewed in the band, and stitched through the mid-
dle, to form a hinge, and to prevent the cross-
pieces from slipping over each other ; at the
bottom of the net about four inches of the
gauze should be turned up, to form a bag ; this
will frequently impede the escape of many in-
sects, and prevent others from falling out of
the net. This net is intended to take insects
on the wing, and it is well adapted for that pur-
pose, as it may be instantly opened or folded
together, and thus the insects are easily se-
cured: even the smallest insects cannot escape,
if the net is not damaged, and the gauze is
fine. It also answers well for collecting cater-
pillars, and many of the coleopterous insects
that inhabit trees and shrubs : in using it for
this purpose, the Collector must hold it in his
left hand, under the tree or shrub intended to
be beaten, and strike the branches with a stick,
when the insects will fall into the net, and are
easily captured. [PL IV, fig. 1.]

2. HOOP NET. — As many of the butterflies
settle only on the summits of trees, and always

63

fly high, this net is extremely useful ; it is mada
of a hoop of cane, with a long bag-net attached
to the end of a stick or pole : the net should be
of such a length, that, upon a slight twist, it
may fall against one side of the hoop, and pre-
vent the escape of the insect. [PL IV, fii>\ 2.]

3. LANDING NET. — This is made of strong
cloth, with an open canvas bottom, and attached
to an iron ring, such as is used by anglers : the
net should not be above four or five inches in
depth. [PL IV, fig. 3.]

4. THE DIGGER. — This is a piece of iron or
steel, of about six inches long, fitted into a
wooden handle, and is used for collecting the
pupae of lepidoptera at the roots of trees, and
also for stripping off the bark of decayed trees.
[PI. IV, fig. 4.] ,

5. A TIN BOTTLE, useful in collecting coleop-
terous insects. — In this bottle a tube is intro-
duced, which extends a little way down the
bottle, to prevent the insects from escaping
when the cork is taken out for the purpose of
putting in other insects. [PL IV, fig. 5.]

6. A PAIR OF FORCEPS. — These are about
ten inches in length, and are made of iron. The
fans are either circular or of an octagon form,
and are covered with fine gauze ; they are held
and moved as a pair of scissors, and are ex-

64

tremely useful in taking the hymenopterous and
dipterous insects. If an insect be found on a
leaf, both leaf and insect may be inclosed in the
forceps ; or if lodged against the trunk of a
tree, paling, or any flat surface, they may very
conveniently be entrapped: the forceps is also
the best instrument for taking bees, wasps, and
such insects as inhabit walls and sandy banks.
When the insect is secured in the forceps, it
should be pressed with the thumb and finger
pretty smartly on the thorax, but not so hard
as to crush it ; it may then be shaken into the
hand, and a pin passed through the thorax (this
method is also used with moths when taken in
the net), or a pin may be passed through the
thorax while the insect is between the gauze, and
then carefully taken out by the pin. [PL IV,
fig. 6.]

8. COLLECTING Box. — This, for hot climates
where the lepidopterous insects are large, must
be in proportion, otherwise the Collector will
frequently be obliged to reject insects for want
of room. The box should be about four inches
deep, and corked at top and bottom ; a large
chip box, being light, answers extremely well, if
the top and bottom be previously well secured
with glue. Camphor in a piece of muslin should
always be kept in the box, which will tend, in a

65

great measure, to hasten the death of those in-
sects that it is necessary to pierce. We would
also recommend that small pieces of sponge or
cotton be secured in different parts of the box,
and saturated with spirits of turpentine, the ef^
fluvia of which tends to destroy life.

9. PINS. — The pins used either for Crustacea
or insects must be adapted to the size of the
animal : the Entomologist should, therefore, have
at least four different sizes ; the largest, used for
Crustacea, should be about four inches long, and
thick in- proportion ; the other three sizes should
be gradually finer, and about an inch and a half
in length. Needles should never be used., as
they soon rust, and the insects are liable to se-
rious injury.

10. PILL BOXES.— The lightest, for the con-
venience of carriage, are those made of paper,
and should be of four different sizes, so that
they will nest or pack one within the other: as
the tops and bottoms arc seldom sufficiently se-
cured, and in the event of either getting loose
it is frequently a source of vexation to the Col-
lector in the loss probably of a valuable insect,
it is best to strengthen them by glueing paper
at the top and bottom. If a particularly rare
insect should be captured, and secured in a pill

F'2

box, it will be advisable to wrap it in a little
paper, to distinguish it from the other boxes.

11. QUILLS will also be found useful: these
should be large and thick; they must have one
cud carefully stopped up with cork or cement,
and the other with a cork stopper. It is also
of advantage to tie a piece of waxed sewing
silk round each end, to prevent the quills from
splitting. The Entomologist may in these se-
cure with safety the most minute insect.

12. LARV.E Box. — This is essential to the
Collector for the safe conveyance of caterpil-
lars : it should be a large chip box, with a piece
cut out of the top and bottom, and covered with
gauze, for the free admission of air: a few
leaves or sprays of the plants on which the
caterpillars feed should be put into the box
with them. A tin box of a convenient size, and
perforated with small holes, is preferred by
some Entomologists, as, in this case, the plants
retain their moisture better.

13. BREEDING CAGES are used for rearing in-
sects from caterpillars, and should be made of
wainscot, in the form represented in Plate IV,
fig. 9, with the sides and front covered with
gauze; in the centre of the box should be a tube
for the reception of a bottle of water, in which

67

the stems of the plants should be put to keep them
alive. It is necessary to observe, that the con-
stant supply of fresh plants is essential to the
obtaining fine specimens of the perfect insect ;
it is also requisite to keep the cages clean by
clearing away the dung, which is injurious to the
health of the caterpillars. When caterpillars
are large, which is the case with many of the
exotic species, it is scarcely necessary to say
that the cages must be in proportion. When
drawings can be made of the larvae, they should
be kept by themselves, in order to ascertain the
species. As most of the caterpillars in a state
of nature feed during the night, and secrete
themselves in shady and cool places in the day
time, the cages should be kept either in an out-
house or cellar; at the bottom of the%cages
there should always be a quantity of earth, of
the depth of four or five inches, for such larvae
as pass the pupae state underground ; and this
should be kept moist. As many of those insects
that undergo their metamorphosis below the
surface of the earth form an artificial cell, in
which the pupee can freely turn, it is hardly ne-
cessary to say that such must never be disturb-
ed: many will remain in this state for several
months, and some from one to two years.

68

14. STORE BOXES.— To completely secure the
success of the Collector, particular attention to
the nature of store boxes, and the packing of
insects, is of the utmost importance, as care-
lessness in the proper fixing of the insects, or
defective boxes, will, in a short time, ruin the
labours of many years' research. We have,
with much regret, seen many valuable insects
completely destroyed by not attending to these
minutiae. The boxes should be about two feet
long, fourteen inches wide, and five inches high,
divided down the middle, so as to open like a
backgammon-board, with a cell at each end, for
the reception of camphor ; a ledge of half an
inch should rise on the inside of the lower half,
to exclude dust and minute insects. The boxes
should be made of yellow deal, and previously
to putting the insects in should be well saturated
with spirits of turpentine, as the effluvia arising
from it will tend to keep off any living insects
that might injure those which are preserved.
The boxes must be lined with a sheet of cork at
the top and bottom; or, what is more economi-
cal, slips of cork, about half an inch wide and
and a quarter thick, may be placed at the dis-
tance of an inch from one another, and glued
down to the box, A still simpler plan may be

pursued : take the corks of common wine bot-
tles, and divide them into pieces of about three-
eighths to half an inch in thickness, and glue
them to the bottom and top of the box at a
distance of about an inch and a half from each
other. Care must be taken always to pass the
pin sufficiently deep into the cork, so that no
sudden jerk will remove or displace the insects
thus transfixed. It may be necessary to sug-
gest, that in the event of making an extensive
collection of the insects of any country, it is
advisable to have the boxes made uniform, and
of one size, for the convenience of packing in
chests, which should be rendered, by paint and
pitch, perfectly secure against wet and damp ;
the boxes ought also to be previously examined,
and well saturated with spirits of turpentine, and
a sufficient quantity of camphor should be secured
to prevent the insects from being injured by der-
mcstes, &c. The edges of the boxes should be
covered with paper pasted on them, to exclude
the air and dust.

*.£* Sets of Apparatus may be had on appli-
cation to the Jluthor, through the medium of the
Publishers.

70

EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES.

Fig. Pate $.

1. Example of Class I. CRUSTACEA; Subclass 1, EN-

TOMOSTRACA, Pandarus bicolor.

2. — 2. MALACOSTRACA, Carcinus Maenas.

3. — II. MYRIAPODA; Order 1. CHILOGNATHA, Glo-

meris marginata (Margined millepede) .

4. — - 2. SYNGNATHA, Cryptops hortensis.

5. — III. ARACHNOIDA; 1. POLYMEROSOMATA, Scorpio

Europa3us (European scorpion).

6. — 2. DIMEROSOTOMATA, Tetragnatha extensa.
7.**- IV. ACART; Hydrachna geographica.

Pate HE.

1. — CJass V. 1NSECTA; Order 1, THYSANUKA, Petro-

bius maritimus.

2. — 2, ANOPLUKA ; Haematopinus Equi. (Louse of the

Horse).

3. — 3. COLEOPTERA* Pynastes Hercules ( Hercules

beetle}.

4. — 4. DERMAPTERA, Labidura gigantea.

5. — 5. ORTHOPTERA, Mantis precaria.

f> — (>. DICTYOPTERA, Blatta orientalis (Cockroach).

7. — 7. NEUROPTERA ; Libellula 4 maculata (Dragon

fly)-

8. — 8. TRICHOPTERA, Limnephilus nervosus.

1. — 9. HYMENOPTERA; Vespa erabro (Hornet).

2. — 10. STREPSIPTERA j Stylops melitta.

3. — 11. LEPIDOPTERA; Papilio Protesilaus.

4. — 12. OMOPTERA; Cicada ha3matode>.

5. — 13. HEMIPTERA; Pentatoma prasinns.

6. — 14. APTERA -y Pulex talpse (Mole's flea}.

7. — . 15. DIPTERA; Asilus crabroniforinis.

8. — 16. OMALOPTEKA; Hippobosca equina (Forest fly).

Pate W& (Apparatus).

1. Net.— -2. Hoop-net. —3. Aquatic net.— 4. Di^grr.— -
o. Tin bottle. — 6 Forceps. — 7. Breeding rat;e.

By the same Author, and to be had ot Messrs. Longman and
Co., price l£. plain, or ll. 18s. coloured, 8vo.

1. The ENTOMOLOGIST'S USEFUL COMPEN-
DIUM ; or an Introduction to the Knowledge of
British Insects, comprising the best Means of obtaining
and preserving them, and a Description of the Appa-
ratus generally used ; together with the Genera of
Linn6, and the Modern Method of arranging the Classes
Crustacea, Myriapoda, Spiders, Mites and Insects,
from their Affinities and Structure, according to the
Views of DR. LEACH. Also an Explanation of the
Terms used in Entomology ; a Calendar of the Times of
Appearance and usual Situations of 3,000 Species of
British Insects ; with Instructions for collecting and
fitting up Objects for the Microscope. Illustrated with
Twelve Plates.

The following are among the Notices which have appeared in
favour of this Work : —

" This is a valuable work, and will tend materially to ad-
vance the study of British Entomology, since it is arranged
after the natural method. It does infinite credit to its inge-
nious author."

Sitpplement to Encyclopedia Brilannica, vol. iv.

"The ample title sufficiently sets forth the contents of the
volume to which it is prefixed ; and we have only to add,
that the knowledge, judgement, and accuracy displayed in the
performance itself, render it a desirable text book to every
student of British Entomology.** Monthly Review.

fi This production is what it purports to be, a Useful Com-
pendium, Persons fond of entomological pursuits, will find it
worthy their attention; and the student will receive much
help from Mr. Samouelle's labours." Literary Gazette.

"We have been much pleased with the inspection of this new
and truly original contribution to the history of British Ento-
mology. It bears manifest marks of being the fruits of much
labour and scientific research into a very interesting depart-
ment of knowledge, and is presented to the Public in a style
of minute elegance and accuracy, highly worthy of the inte-
rest of the subject which it illustrates. The work is concluded
by an explanation of the plates, which contain very beauti-
fully delineated figures of between 200 and 300 insects. We

need scarcely add our opinion, that, on the whole, the work is
one which does much honour to the industry and science of
Mr. Samouelle." Philosophical Magazine.

" We have not often seen the results of so much labour col-
lected into so small a volume. It does great credit to the
author's industry and acquirements as a naturalist, and as far
as our approbation may extend, we should feel pleasure in con-
tributing to favour the reward due to his useful exertions."

Medical Journal.

" Mr. George Samouelle has lately favoured the public with
a Useful Compendium, or Entomologist's Introduction to nearly
3000 Species of British Insects; which must prove, with the aid
of the micx-oscope, a real feast to the virtuosi of the land. It
is very elegantly illustrated with twelve plates."

Monthly Magazine.

" The publication before us comprises very extensive infor-
mation within a small compass, affording a complete introduc-
tion to the science of Entomology. The Author has evidently
spared no pains to render his work valuable, and in every-
way worthy the attention of the public; and we strongly re-
commend it both for its utility and elegance. It is closely
printed ; and the plates contain above 200 figures, which in the
coloured copies are exquisitely finished."

, Gentleman's Magazine.

Compendium is an indispensable text

" With regard to works on British Entomology, Samouelle's
Entomologist's Useful Compendium will be found a very excel-
lent help to the student."

Kirby's Introduction to Entomology, vol. iv.

" Mr. Samouelle's Introduction to the Knowledge of British
Insects, which has contributed so much towards the advance-
ment of Entomology in this country, has been rendered moie
generally useful by being written in our own language."

Curtia's British Entomology.

Just published,

2. A NOMENCLATURE of BRITISH ENTOMO-
LOGY ; alphabetically arranged, and intended as La-
bels for Cabinets of British Insects, &c. Crown 8vo,
price 4s. 6d. in extra boards.

Printed by Compton and Ritchie, Middle, Street,
Cloth Fair, London.