taae aruvine

BRITISH INSECTS,

“ “ALSO FoR “

b

COLLECTING AND PRESERVING

pe

| "BRITISH CRUSTACEA & SHELLS;

= TOGETHER WITH A DESCRIPTION OF

ED ITOMOLOGICAL APPARATUS:

i “To WHICH IS ADDED, A LIST OF NEW AND RARE SPECIES

i.

OF ae 3: &ec. WITH THEIR LOCALITIES AND TIMES
CaN _OF APPEA RANCE,

INTENDED FOR COLLECTORS, AND RESIDENTS
IN THE COUNTRY.

WITH AN ILLUSTRATIVE PLATE.

rion danse ee
ore ore mca ALS.

Ps..cxi. 2;

Ae LONDON: :
_ JAMES BULCOCK, 163, STRAND.
1827,

a

M
=

« 4

INSTRUCTIONS
ate FOR
COLLECTING, REARING, AND
PRESERVING Bee F

| BRITISH INSECTS;

* ALSO FOR

COLLECTING AND PRESERVING
Fs hae CRUSTACEA & SHELLS;

TOGETHER WITH A PRECESSION OF

‘ENTOMOLOGICAL APPARATUS:

TO WHICH IS ADDED, A LIST OF NEW AND RARE SPECIES
OF INSECTS, &c. WITH THEIR LOCALITIES AND TIMES
OF APPEA RANCE.

INTENDED FOR COLLECTORS, AND RESIDENTS
IN THE COUNTRY,

WITH AN ILLUSTRATIVE PLATE

BY
ABEL INGPEN, A L S

“ “Magna opera Jeu ovz#, explorata omnibus volentibus ea.”’
Ps, cxi. 2.

LONDON
JAMES BULCOCK, 163, STRAND
1827

7

Price Three Shillings and Sixpence

Smithsonian
Institution
Libraries

Purchased from the

CULLMAN ENDOWMENT

=

L

LONDON:

C. SMITH, PRINTER, ONE BELL YARD, STRAND.

TO
JAMES FRANCIS STEPHENS, Esa. F.L.S.
&e. &e.

THIS TRIFLE IS INSCRIBED,
IN RESPECT FOR HIS VIRTUES,
iN ADMIRATION OF HIS TALENTS,
AND IN GRATITUDE FOR MANY FAVORS ;
By his very obliged Servant,

THE AUTHOR.

London,
February 28th, 1827.

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ADVERTISEMENT.

Tue design of the following pages is to
supply instructions, in a detached form, for
collecting and preserving Britisu Insects,
CRUSTACEA AND SHELLS; not only for the
Student, but also to distribute to persons re-
siding in the Country, who wish to oblige
their Entomological friends by collecting, or
employing others to collect for them. ‘The
want of such a work, for distribution, has been
long felt, and it is hoped that the present will
be found useful for the purpose. It has been
the chief aim of the author to make the in-
structions as full and as simple as possible,
and many useful hints and directions will be
found peculiar to this work.

To those who wish for information as to the
localities, habitats, and periods of appear-
ance, of particular British Insects, &c., the
valuable calendar in “ Samouelle’s Entomolo-

vi

gist’s Useful Compendium,” will be found of
great assistance. And for information as to
their natural history, classification, and ar-
rangement, the Student is referred to Kirby
and Spence’s admirable “ Introduction to En-
tomology ;” Curtis’s “ British Entomology,”
with beautiful plates, now in the course of
publication ; and the forthcoming “ Syste-
matic Catalogue of British Insects,’ and
“ Illustrations of British Entomology,” des-
cribing all the species, by Mr. Stephens; all
of which are indispensible.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PLATE.

Fic. 1. Pachyta 6-punctata, (Capricorn beetle.)

2. Pentatoma rufipes, (field bug.)
3. Hesperia paniscus, (scarce skipper butterfly.)
4. Stylops Melitta, p. 43.

5. Melitte nigroenea, (wild bee.)

6. Dyschirius gibbus*.

7. A-clap net complete, described, p. 2. a. the

leather hinge, J. the bag,
8.

A net rod, a, the cross piece ; J, the augulated
ferrule; c. the straight ferrule ; d. the notch

or joint; e. the staple to which the strings
are tied.

9. Forceps, p. 4.
10. Aring net, p. 6.
ll. A digger, p. 7.
12. A water net, p. 6.
13. A phial, p. 8.

14. A pair of pliers, p. 8.
15. A pocket collecting box, p. 9.
16. <A pocket larvé box, p. 10.
17. A breeding cage, p. 10.
18. Aquill, p. 16.
19. A pocket magnifier, p. 16.
20. and 21. Setting needles, p. 17.
22. Setting board case, p. 18.

* The above insects are drawn rather larger than life.

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CONTENTS.

MnGEOMUCEHOR!: Silos eee ad kee Le a

Description of Apparatus, Cabinets, and

mode of arranging Insects.......- see
Instructions for Collecting Insects. Winter. 23
DEES shee steep ehetovs ont! «ses < + Spring. 33
WOUCOne ect leer « Summer. 45
DTGLOd crece 01 6! e'e) 9) ereyol sasictelie's « Autumn. 50
Local Habitats....... ores tat tebe cole ate . 55

Peculiar Methods of Collecting Insects.. 62

Instructions for Killing and Preserving

MIECEESs OC C2279 re ot crarehe eral e ei ral a: cet soe 68
Instructions for Collecting and Presery-
mig: Crustacea) ./. ocickie's «v6.0 0.0.6 aes 82

Instructions for Collecting and Preserv-
yes) (ola c COM One Oe Cnet ee 84:
List of New Species of Insects, &c. .... 87

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—

INTRODUCTION.

Tue contemplation of the works of the
Creator is the highest delight of the rational
mind. In them we read, as in a volume
fraught with endless wonders, the unlimited
power and goodness of that Brine, who, in
the formation of Atoms, and of Worlds, has
alike displayed unfathomable Wisdom.

There are few objects in Nature which
raise the mind to a higher degree of ad-
miration, than the Insect world. Their im-
mense numbers — endless variety of form
— astonishing metamorphoses — exceeding
beauty—the amazing minuteness of some,
and the complex and wonderful organization
of others, far exceeding that of the highest
ranks of the creation—all tend to prove an

Xi

Almighty artificer, and inspire astonishment
and awe!

But in reviewing the amazing endowments
of these endless tribes of beings, which ad-
minister so much to the gratification of our
mental and ocular faculties, the great utility,
and important advantages derived from many
of them, have also another claim upon our re-
gard. The delicious luxury furnished by the
bee, and the beautiful dye of the coccus: the
materials for an exquisite fabric, prepared by
the silk worm, which gives employment to
millions! and the ingredient produced by
the gall-fly, to which mankind is deeply in-
debted for the promulgation of knowledge !
are all real benefits. But from others, lessons
of industry and economy; virtue and morality ;
perfection in various arts, and even civil go-
vernment, may be learned ; and, accordingly,
they have been held up as models of conduct,
and referred to for instruction in wisdom

from the days of Solomon.

Xi

These few facts may be sufficient to prove,
that, so far from entomology being a frivo-
lous amusement, (as some have ignorantly as-
serted) or suffering in importance by com-
parison with other studies, it deserves, what
it will one day attain, to stand in the very
foremost rank of Natural Science! For it
furnishes more links, perhaps, than any other
Science, to prove the existence of

“‘'The mighty chain of beings, lessening down
From INFINITE PERFECTION to the brink
Of dreary Nothing, desolate abyss !”’

“ Organized nature is a complicated chain
of beings, of which chain, each species forms
alink. Every new species added to our list,
serves thus to increase our knowledge of this
stupendous system—a system that ought to
excite in every breast the most intense inter-
est; not merely as one of the works of our
Creator, but as that particular work of
the Divine Hanp, which has been designed

with direct reference to ourselyes. A minute

X1V

beetle, therefore, which of itself scarcely
raises a thought in our minds, beyond what
may originate in its splendour of colour, or
its eccentricity of form, becomes absolutely
important when described in reference to its

fellows.” Annulosa Javanica.

The following instructions are merely a
stepping-stone to entomology, the study of
which will be found a “ grand panacea for
the tedium vite,” which is so often felt by
those whose time is entirely at their own dis-
posal; and an interesting relaxation for those
engaged in severer studies. It furnishes a wide
field for observation, and an innocent employ-
ment, peculiarly delightful and instructive ; it
is also an endless source of novelty and amuse-
ment, an incentive to exercise, and consequent
health ; and gives a double zest to the enjoy-
ment of thecountry. It is therefore much to
be regretted, that this study, which tends

so much to enlarge the understanding

XV
and render life at once innocent and happy,
should not form a part of the education of
youth; a period of life the best adapted for
receiving correct impressions, and materials

for strengthening the mental faculties.

.

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DESCRIPTION OF APPARATUS,

NECESSARY FOR
COLLECTING AND PRESERVING

INSECTS.

«Tze collector when he makes an excursio"
should have three principal objects in view, for
which he ought to be duly prepared. The first
s to find insects, the next is to catch them, and
the last, when taken, to bring them safe home.
In exploring their haunts, he must aiso recollect
that some will be reposing ; others feeding ;
others walking or running ; others fying ; others
swimming ; others lurking in various places of

concealment, and in different states of existence.”

* «Introduction to Entomology,”’ Vol. iv. p. 515.
B

2

It is necessary, therefore, that he should
be provided with proper instruments to collect
them, and to preserve them when collected
The following is a description of the apparatus
used by the London collectors: for the detail
of which, the author is partly indebted to the
works of Messrs. Kirby and Spence, and Mr.
Samouelle.

A Crap Net, (plate, fig. 7.) is the first in-
strument in point of importance. This is simi-
lar to what is called a Bat-fowling net, and
should be made of green or white gauze or mus-
lin; the advantage of the latter colour is, that
minute insects are sooner discovered than if the
net were green, but agreen net must be used for
mothing. The net rods may be made of ash,
hazel, or lance wood, but the latter is best.
Each rod may be from four to five feet in
length, (divided into three or four joints, for
the convenience of carriage) round, and smooth,
half an inch in diameter at the base, and gra-
dually tapering: plate, fig. S, one of the rods
complete ; a, the cross-piece, which should he of

6
3

cane, and made to fit into the angulated ferrule ;
b, the rod, which must havea ferrule riveted on to
the upper part as at c; the joints should be made
with a notch, as at d; which will prevent the
upper part from twisting: e, a small staple, to
which the net must be tied. When put toge-
ther, care must be taken in fitting the joints to
the brass tubes, that they are made exact, or
otherwise they will be subject to shake, and
continually come to pieces. The net, fig. 7,
must be bound entirely round with a broad
welt, doubled to form a groove, into which the
rods are to slip. In the angle of the upper part,
a, a small piece of wash leather to form a hinge,
must be sewed round the welt, divided and
sewed in the middle, to prevent the cross pieces
from slipping over each other: 6, about six
inches of the gauze turned up to form a bag,
to the bottom of which must be sewed strings
to tie round the rod and fasten to the staple.

When the net is used, the rods should be
taken one in each hand, so as to keep it ex-

tended ; and when it is brought fairly beyond

4
the insect pursued, the two stitks must be
brought quickly together, by which means the
prey is easily captured. This net answers very
effectively for taking even the minutest insect
on the wing, as it may in an instant be opened
and folded together. It is also useful for taking
winged insects when at rest upon the ground,
by simply spreading it over them. When beat-
ing into the net, it will be necessary to keep
both sticks in the left hand, at the same time
keeping the head of the net as wide open as
possible. An open umbrella will, in general, be
found convenient in the absence of a clap-net,
for beating ; particularly if the inside be lined
with white cotton, and made to cover the
whalebone. In the event of beating into an
umbrella, the forceps should always remain
within it, so as to be ready to be instantly

- used in catching a winged insect.

The Forceps, (plate, fig. 9.) is an indispensi-
ble instrument. It should be made of iron or
steel, and about seven inches and a half in
length, the hoops of brass, or iron, painted to

»)

secure them from rust, about four inches in di-
ameter, and nearly circular, the front part, a, be-
ing straight, in order to capture an insect settled
on a wall or tree. ‘The joint of the handle
should be much nearer the rings for the finger
and thumb, than to the hoops, or the instru-
ment will not open well. An old pair of curl-
ing irons (having rings for the finger and
thumb) might be made into very good handles.
The hoops should be covered with fine gauze
or net; the latter is best, as it will admit of the
head of a pin being drawn through it. They
are held and moved like a pair of scissors, and
are extremely useful in taking bees, wasps, and
other insects which inhabit sand banks, as well
as any other insect at rest. If an insect be on
a leaf, both leaf and insect must be inclosed in
the forceps, and if settled on a flat surface, they
are easily entrapped. If the insect be a butterfly,
moth, or bee, the underside of the thoraz (that part
to which the wings and legs are attached) should
be sharply pressed; it may then be shaken into the
hand, and pierced, or a pin passed through the
thorax (as shewn plate, figs. 3 and 5.) while the
B 3

6

insect is confined in the net; it should then be
carefully taken out by the pin.

A Rine NEt, (plate, fig. 10.) is merely a
piece of very stout brass wire of three or four
inches diameter, convenient for the pocket, and
formed into a ring, having a small loop or
handle. This ring should be covered with gauze
or net. It will be found very useful to place
over moths, settled on pales, trees, &c. by which

means they may be easily captured.

A Water Net. (plate, fig. 12.) The hoop
of an angler’s landing net will be found the
best for this purpose, as it may be folded and
carried in the pocket. The socket may be
made to screw into a walking or beating stick ;
and a brass cap made to screw over the female
screw to keep the dirt out when not in use;
and an extra joint to screw or fix in, which
could be carried in the pocket. The bag should
be made of coarse canvass, about a foot deep.
This net is intended for taking water insects, and

should be drawn well under the weeds and

7

along the margins of ponds, rivers, and ditches ;
and also among the mud at the bottom, and the
contents carefully examined. It will also be
found very useful for brushing grass and
weeds in fields, ditches, on banks, &c. A
bag net made of green gauze, from two to three
feet long, and fitted to the same hoop, may be
made to serve various purposes. With it butter-
Jjies, moths, and other insects on the wing may
be caught, and by giving it a twist the mouth
may be completely closed, so as to prevent
the escape of the captive. When fixed toa pole
twenty or thirty feet long, Mr. Haworth consi-
ders it the best net for taking the Purple Empe-
ror butterfly, (Apatura Iris) whose residence is
generally on or near the tops of lofty oaks. It
will also be found preferable to the water net,
for pushing through grass, &c. as, from its
depth, flying insects cannot so readily escape.
If the hoop of the water net should be consi-
dered too small, a piece of cane bent to the size
required, and tied to the stick, will be a good

substitute.

A Dicer. (plate, fig. 11.) This should be

8

made of steel, of from twelve to eighteen inches
long, forked at the extremity, and fixed into a
wooden handle. Itis of great use in stripping
bark from decayed trees, digging into rotten
wood, round trees, &c. Asacompanion to this
instrument, a good strong clasp knife, having
also a saw blade, will be found very useful.

A Puiat, (plate, fig. 13.) or tin bottle, is very
convenient in collecting beetles. In this bottle a
tube should be introduced, and extended a little
way down the bottle, to prevent the insects put
into it from escaping ; a phial with a quill
passed through the cork, having a cork stopper
to the quill, will be very useful for small insects.
If spirits be put into the phials, only those
beetles which are black or of a dark colour
should be put into them.

PurErs, (plate, fig. 14.) for taking insects out
of holes in trees, and from dung, roots of grass,
&e, A wet finger will also be found very use-

ful in taking up insects when stationary or in
motion.

9

A Pocxer Cotuecrine Box. (plate, fig. 15.)
The collector should be furnished with a light
deal or chip box of a convenient size for the
pocket, lined at the top and bottom with cork,
and covered with white paper ; leaving a space
of at least half an inch between the heads of the
pins when the box is closed. In this box are to
be placed those insects which are pierced, and
which would be injured by remaining loose.
The mast useful kind of box is, however, made
of deal or mahogany, convenient as to size,
with two hinges on one side, and made to open
in the middle by pressing a little spring. This
box, opened by the left hand, leaves the right
at liberty to put in the insects*. These boxes
are only fit fora single day’s collecting, but if
the collector be on an excursion for a longer
period, he must furnish himself with the neces-
sary quantity of store boxes, pins, braces, &c.
&e. Store boxes may be made upon the prin-
ciple of back-gammon boards, of about twelve

* The inside of the crown of a hat, lined with cork, of
about a quater of an inch thick, and covered with white

paper, will be found very convenient, when collecting
boxes are not at hand.

10

by eighteen inches long, and four inches deep ;
and lined with cork at the top and bottom, and
made to fasten close. Camphor must always
be secured in the boxes to keep out mites,
&e.

A Pocket Larvz Box. (plate, fig. 16.) This
is necessary for the safe conveyance of caterpil-
lars, and is merely a chip box, lined with white
paper, having a square piece cut out of the
lid, which should be covered with wire gauze,
or coarse canvass, for the admission of air. One
end should havea hole and a cork fitted to it,
to put the caterpillars in. Buta box made of
tin, perforated with minute holes, and having a
hole at one end, as above, is by far the best, as
the food does not wither so soon as in chip
boxes. Some of the plant on which the cater-

pillars are found, must be placed with them.

BreepinG Caces. (plate, fig. 17.) These are
for the purpose of rearing butterflies and moths,
from caterpillars. The general form is square,
having the sides covered with brass wire gauze

&

11

or course canvass ; the door should be as large
as possible. In this may be set a small garden
pot (placed in a pan), and filled with vegetable
mould and rubbish, which may be got from rotten
trees, having a wide-mouthed phial of water
placed in a tin tube, and sunk into the mould to
receive the food. An old snuff canister will
answer very well, and the phial may be removed
when it is necessary to change the water, with-
out disturbing the earth, which may be kept
moist, by occasionally pouring a little water in-
to the pan. The mould is for those caterpil-
lars which change to the chrysalis state under
ground, Common garden pots, three parts
filled with mould, and having three sticks
placed at equal distances, to support a piece of
gauze, and tied round, make very good breeding
cages. The mould should be four or five
inches deep. But if it be the wish of the
collector to ascertain precisely the moth that
proceeds from each caterpillar, an excellent cage
invented by my friend Mr. Stephens, will answer
the purpose to a great extent ; a figure of which,

by his kindness, will be found in the plate, fig.

12

td

.7. The following description of it is in his own
words. “The length of the box is twenty
inches; height, twelve; and breadth, six; and
it is divided into five compartments. Its lower
half is constructed entirely of wood, and the
upper of coarse gauze, stretched upon wooden
or wire frames ; each compartment has a sepa-
rate door, and is moreover furnished with a phial
in the centre for the purpose of containing
water, in which the food is kept fresh ; and is
half filled with a mixture of fine earth and the
dust from the inside of rotten trees; the latter
article being added for the purpose of rendering
the former less binding upon the pupe, as well
as highly important for the use of such larve
as construct their cocoons of rotten wood. The
chief advantages of a breeding cage of the above
construction are, the occupation of less room
than five separate cages, and a diminution of
expense; both important considerations when
any person is engaged extensively in rearing
insects. Whatever be the construction of the
box it is highly necessary that the larve be con-
stantly supplied with fresh food, and that the

15

earth at the bottom should be kept damp. ‘Teo
accomplish the latter object, I keep a thick
layer of moss upon the surface, which I take
out occasionally (perhaps once a week in hot
weather, and once a fortnight or three weeks in
Winter) and saturate completely with water, and
return it to its place: this keeps up a sufficient
supply of moisture, without allowing the earth
to become too wet, which is equally injurious
to the pupe, with too much aridity. By num-
bering the cells, and keeping a register corres-
ponding with the numbers, the history of any

particular larva or brood may be traced.”

It is very desirable (if it can be accomplished)
to keep each kind of caterpillar by itself, as
some species will devour others, and even their
own kind, if not well supplied with food. It
should be borne in mind that they must never
be disturbed while changing their skins. Care
must be taken constantly to watch the breeding
cages, that the insect may be secured as soon as
it appears, and before it has had time to injure

itself by attempting to escape.

14

Caces will also be necessary for rearing the
grubs or maggots found in dung, rotten trees,
&c. The best thing fer this purpose is a stone
jar, of about a foot deep, and three or four
inches in diameter, having a tin lid made to fit
very close, and perforated with minute holes to
let in the air. The grubs taken from old trees
may be placed ina separate jar, and lightly co-
vered with decayed wood ; and those taken from
dung may also have a separate jar, and some
dung placed over them. For the caterpillars
which feed on the roots of grass, a separate jar
may be half filled with mould, and the cater-
pillars covered with a turf of grass; the top
of this jar should be tied down with coarse can-
vass. The two last mentioned jars should be sunk
into the earth, so that the surface may be exposed
to the different changes of weather, but should be
secured against too much moisture. Another
jar might be kept for the grubs and maggots
found in dead animals or animal matter. The
jars must be frequently examined to secure the
perfect insects.

Some of the water bugs (Velia Rivulorum and

15

Hydrometra stagnorum) are occasionally found
with wings, but this is of rare occurrence. And
as their economy is very little known, the plan
suggested by Mr. Curtis, ‘‘ British Entomo-
logy,” Vol. i. fo. 2, for confining different spe-
cies ‘‘in a frame covered with coarse gauze,
would be an easy method

’

and floating them,’
of studying their natural history. The caddis
worms might be bred in a frame, sunk to the
bottom of a pond, allowing part of the frame
to rise above the surface of the water*, The im-
perfect field bugs (Cimices) are easily reared in
cages, taking care to supply them plentifully
with the plant on which they are found.

Pitt Boxes. The collector should carry out
with him three or four dozen of pill boxes of
different sizes, The smallest size for minute
moths, flies, &c. Only one insect should be
placed in each box, as in opening the lid to put
in a second, the first will generally either escape

* Mr. Donovan says, that ‘‘ Swammerdam used to hatch
the eggs, feed the /arve, and preserve the pupe of aquatic
insets, in a shallow dish, which he covered with white

paper, occasionally moistened, and pierced in several parts
for the admission of air.”

1G

or be crushed. It is best to put the empty
boxes in one pocket, and the filled ones in ano-
ther. Before going out the collector must be
careful that his boxes fit tight, and that the tops

and bottoms are perfectly secure.

Quits, (plate, fig. 18.) having one end care-
fully stopped with cork and wax, and the other
having a cork stopper, will be found extremely
useful for keeping the minutest insects secure.
The quill should be shaken every time a fresh in-

sect is put in, to preserve those already captured.

Pins. The size of the pin must correspond
with that of the insect. The collector should
never fail to take out a cushion filled with pins
of various sizes. ‘The best, and indeed the
only maker in London, who has them of all
sizes, and made expressly for the purpose, is
Durnford, in Gracechurch Street. Needles must
never be used for piercing insects, as they

always rust.

Pocket Macnirier. (plate, fig. 19.) The

17

best kind is that which contains three glasses in
one case, the focal distance of which are half
an inch, one inch, and two inches ; these three
glasses will, simple and combined, give seven

distinct powers.

SeTTinG NEEDLE, (plate, figs. 20 and 21.) is
simply a needle fastened into a thin piece of
wood about three inches long; on the other end
of which a camel's hair pencil may be secured.
A pin curved towards the point, and fastened
into a piece of wood, will also be found use-
ful. These instruments are very useful for ex-
tending the wings and legs of insects ; and the
pencil for brushing off dirt, or extending the
limbs of those which are minute.

Braces, (plate, figs. 2, 3,5.) are merely tri-
angular slips of card used for confining the
wings, &c. They should be made of stout hot-

pressed writing paper for delicate insects,

SETTING Boarps are pieces of board covered

es

18

with cork and papered. The cork should be
close grained, about a quarter of an inch thick,
and perfectly smooth. The best plan to dry in-
sects, and at the same time to secure them
from accidents, is to have a box about eighteen
inches high, and nine square, having grooves in
the sides for the setting boards to slide in (plate
fig. 2%.) The boards must be at least two
inches apart to prevent the pins from being dis-
turbed. The door may be merely a frame
covered with muslin to admit the air, and ex-
clude the dust. At the bottom a drawer may
be constructed, havin g four or six divisions, for
holding pins of different sizes, braces, setting
needles, &c.

Caninet. The present state of British entomo-
logy, requires a cabinet of at least one hundred
drawers. The best sized drawersare from four-
teen to sixteen inches square, and about two
inches deep. They must be glazed, to prevent the
admission of dust or air ; the glass, (which should
be flattened) must be fitted into a frame of the

same size as the drawer, and rabbeted on the

19

underside ; and, parallel with the sides of the
drawer, but a little lower, an inner side piece
should be fixed, so as to form a cavity all round,
of a proper width to closely receive the rabbet,
and likewise to contain the camphor for pre-
serving the insects from Acari, &c., to emit the
scent of which holes should be bored in the side
pieces, and pin holes made in the paper which
covers them. The cabinets are best in tiers of
about twenty drawers each, shut in by a door ;
or double tiers may be made with folding doors :
in this shape, they are rendered portable, and
and others may be added as the collection in-
creases, corresponding in size and uniformity.
Cabinets should be made of well seasoned ma-
hogany or wainscot; but deal is objectionable
from its liability to warp and split. Strips of
velvet should be glued round the edges of the
doors, to make them shut close, and keep out
dust, &c.

The bottoms of the drawers must be lined
with cork, of about one sixth of an inch in thick-

ness, as free from cracks, holes, and knots as

20

possible. The best kind of cork for the purposé,
is that which is obtained from the wholesale cork
cutters, under the name of cork soles, and which
may be cut into strips, by a circular saw ; or, if
they are fixed into a vice, they may be cut by a
very fine saw ; taking particular care, however,
not touse any grease. The edges of the strips
should then be cut even, and glued, and the
worst side glued on to a sheet of stout paper,
laid on a piece of deal board, larger than the
drawer intended to be corked; some strong
pins or fine brads must be driven into each piece
as it is glued down to keep it firm, until the
glue is quite dry. The sheet of cork must first
be smoothed down with a rasp, and then with a
fine file, and finished with pumice stone; the
sheet should then be cut to the proper size, and
glued into the drawer, taking care to place a
piece of board of the exact size of the inside of
the drawer on the cork, and lay a weight upon
it to keep the cork in its place. When perfectly
dry, the cork and sides of the drawer should be
covered with fine wove demy paper, not too
thick, which should be well soaked with paste,

21

and gently rubbed over with a clean cloth, until

it is quite smooth.

The following mode of arrangment is that
adopted by London entomologists, and is cer-
tainly the best calculated for displaying the
affinities of a series of insects. Double pencil
line are ruled to form columns, according to the
width of the insects, which are to be placed be-
tween them. ‘The larger species of Coleoptera,
Orthoptera and Hemiptera are arranged side by
side in pairs, and the smaller species in a greater
number according to their size, having an open
winged specimen below them. Hymenoptera,
Trichoptera, Lepidoptera, and Diptera, are ar-
ranged singly, placing the males first: the sexes
are always procured if possible. Of the but-
terflies four specimens are retained ; a male and
female showing the upper side of the wings, and
one of each showing the underside. Of the moths,
only the upper side is exhibited. Varieties are pre-
served as far as possible, as they are often of
great use in determining species. ‘The generic

name is always stuck bya pin at the head of a

22

genus, and the specific name immediately after

each species.

Great care must be taken to keep insects
from damp, for which purpose the cabinets
should always be placed against the partition

wall ina dry room.

23

INSTRUCTIONS ror COLLECTING,

Sc.

WINTER.

At this season of the year there appears so
little to attract collectors, that few will venture
out ; and others are deterred, from the idea that
no insects are to be obtained. Many, however,
are now to be found in certain situations, which

at other seasons of the year are met with only

by mere chance.

The collector, when going on an excursion,
should always consider what his object is, and

24.

not incumber himself with more instruments
than can be conveniently used.

One great employment for this season is
searching moss. ‘This should be collected from
every possible situation in which it can be found,
as roots and trunks of trees, banks in dry,
sandy, and marshy places, margins of ponds,
and even from the middle of meadows, com-
mons, &c. The trouble will be well repaid, as
thousands of insects which make it their Winter
abode, in Summer entirely desert it. ‘The best
times for collecting moss, are morning and
evening ; for in the middle of the day, many
of the insects in mild weather, are either on
the wing, or roving about. The moss may
be put into bags, made of brown jean, or
any other substance of close texture, and tied
tight at the mouth, to prevent any insects
making their escape. It should be minutely
examined at home, by shaking a little at a
time over a white dish or plate; a white soup
plate is best, asfrom its depth, few insects can run

up the sides. ‘The insects, although in general

25

small are not theless valuable, and should be care-
fully preserved, and put into quills as collected ;
they may be killed, by holding the quills in scald-
ing water for a few seconds ; and should then be
pierced, or gummed upon- wedges of stiff
paper, as hereafter directed. If the labour of
examining moss be too great for a person
merely collecting for a friend, a quantity col-
lected from various places would not be an
unacceptable present, and might be sent, tied
securely, in a large bag. Roots of grass, grow-
_ing on banks, sides of ditches, ponds, roots of
trees, &c. should be pulled up and shaken into
an- umbrella, a sheet of brown paper, or a
pocket handkerchief. 'fhis will be found a pro-
fitable mode of collecting, and may be pursued

at most seasons of the year with success.

Many insects are found by pulling off the
bark from decayed trees, with the digger. They
will generally be found to adhere to the bark or
body of the tree, and must be carefully touched,
to prevent their falling. A wet finger will be
found the best mode of taking the small ones.

~

D

26

One hand should always be held under the bark,
when separating it from the tree, to secure any
insects that may fall. Grubs or maggots will
also very often be found, particularly in the
dead wood, and should always be very care-
fully taken out, and, if possible, a portion of
the wood should be detached with them; a
quantity of which should be put with them into
the jar. Many chrysalides (pupe@) will also be
found in rotten wood. When a hole is disco-
vered, the wood should be cut from the orifice,
and the inhabitant carefully removed. For this
purpose the pliers will be found very useful;
taking great care, however, that the chrysalis be

not squeezed.

Commons and marshes produce rare and inte-
resting insects, peculiar to such situations; they
will be found on plants which do not grow in
cultivated ground; and many are fond of ground
where the turf has been peeled off. In sand and
gravel pits, under the loose sand and gravel,
stones, turf, &c. insects will be found. Through-

out the year wherever stones, bricks, clods,

27

rotten wood, decayed vegetables, and dead ani-
mals are met with, they should never be ne-
glected tobe turned overand examined. The
dead moles which are often hung up in the fields
should always be searched.

During the mild weather, trees of every kind,
and underwood, should be dug round close to
the roots, and for several inches from them, to
the depth of a foot, particularly on the north
side, for chrysalides and beetles. For this pur-
- pose a spade, gardener’s trowel, or the digger
may be used; but a better instrument is a po-
tatoe fork, as the chrysalides dug up by this
means are less liable to be injured. Stumps
of felled trees, and the bark remaining below
the surface of the earth, are the resort of many
insects. The south side of banks, the bottoms
of pales, walls, &c. ought never to be neglected,
as many insects may be dug from such situa-
tions. The chrysalides should be carefully put
into a box carried for the purpose, having damp
earth at the bottom; care being taken to move

them about as little as possible, as they are

28

very likely to die if much disturbed; and for
safe carriage the box must be filled up with
moss, and carefully removed into a_ breeding
cage or garden pot. If it is intended to
send the chrysalides toa distance, they must
be carefully packed in a box on layers of damp
moss, and filled up with it to prevent their being
shaken; and the box well secured with string.
The Winter aigging for chrysalides, should
not commence earlier than toward the latter
end of January.

Water insects may be taken in ponds and
ditches, in some situations in great abundance,
if the weather be mild. As, however, they are
to be found throughout the year, this occupa-
tion should not be followed at any time to the
hindrance of digging, and collecting moss.
Many collectors consider this season best for
water insects, and seldom collect them at any
other period ; but undoubtedly the best time is
from May to August. In fishing for them the
water-net must be repeatedly drawn under the

weeds, sometimes near the surface, at others

29

along the bottom and close round the sides, and
the produce of the net carefully examined,
and the insects secured. In the absence of
a net the forceps may often be used, to entrap
a water insect; and the weeds may some-
times be dragged to the shore with a hook-
ed stick, when minute insects will be found at-
tached. Some rare beetles are occasionally to
be found adhering to the underside of stones in
rivulets, and sometimes both in and upon the

margins of brooks, ponds, &c. under the mud.

Living animals, birds, and fish, should under-
go a minute search at all seasons of the year ;
the insects found upon them are very interest-
ing to the Entomologist, and distinct species
will be discovered on almost every species of ani.
mal and bird. The following method of taking
them from birds, was kindly communicated to
me by my friend Abraham Cooper, Esq. R.A.
“© Whenever I have killed a bird I wish to exa-
mine, I keep it by itself, and when it is quite
cold, take it in my hand ; the insects being then
attracted by the warmth, leave the bird and crawl

pn 3

30

on the hand; from which I shake them into
hot water... They may then be gummed on
small wedges of siiff paper, in the manner here-
after directed. It would be very desirable, and
assist very much in the investigation of the spee
cies, if the insects taken from the different kinds
of birds and animals, were labelled with the
name of the bird or animal on which they
were found.

The trunks of trees, pales, and walls (parti-
cularly under the projections), bushes in woods,
shrubs, &c. in gardens, should be carefully exa-
mined for many species of moths, which are not
found at other seasons. These are easily caught
by the forceps; or in a pill box, by placing the
box and lid partly opened close to the insect,
and shutting it in. The upper side of the wings
of moths must on no account be touched with
the fingers, but the underside of the thorax may
be pressed sufficiently hard to kill them without
injuring their plumage, before they are pierced,
Small moths, &c. had better be killed by sulphur,

as hereafter directed,

31

When examining trunks of trees and projec-
tions of pales and walls, chrysalides will occa-
sionally be found attached ; these must be re-
moved with great care, and placed in an open

box in a dry breeding cage, and left uncovered.

The Winter moths, although numerous, are
generally rare in cabinets, which is to be attri-
buted to the little search that is made for them.
An assiduous collector would, there is no doubt,
make some new and interesting discoveries at

- this season of the year.

The dung of horses, cows, deer, and sheep,
is very productive of beetles, and should be
searched throughout the year, and the grubs or
maggots, which inhabit dung, carefully re-
moved into a jar kept for the purpose. The
grub of the bot-fly (Gasterophilus Equi) will,
with others, be occasionally found in horse
dung ; and many beetles, flies, &c. may be reared
by this plan, as well at this, as at other sea-

sons of the year.

32

The white-thorn and other shrubs and trees,
should be searched for the cocoons of different
species of the large saw-flies, (Cimbicide) to
which they will be found attached.

SPRING.

Nature .is now beginning to assume he:
“lovely livery of green,’ and insects, which
began to hybernate in the mild days of Septem-
ber and October, are often found alert in the
colder temperature of March.

Those who, from the nature of the weather,
or other circumstances, have neglected to collect
during the Winter season, may, during the month
of March, follow the above instructions with
considerable success. Moss may yet be col-
lected in cold mornings and evenings, and
digging round the roots of trees, underwood,
pales and walls, banks of ponds, and fishing, may
be continued. At this season, the dung beetles

will be found very numerous, even in the roads.

34

Searching on pales, walls, and trunks of trees
for moths, should be strictly attended to.

As the ‘‘juicy groves put forth their buds,”
fresh insects continually appear. Beating,
which will be one of the chief employments
until September, may be commenced even in
March ; and at the beginning of April, caéerpil-
lars will be found. The branches of every kind
of tree and shrub, and every plant and weed,
should be beat into the clap net, or umbrella,
which must be quickly pushed under the
branches or weeds intended to be beaten, or
the insects will fall to the ground. The sunny
sides of the skirts of woods, lanes, hedges, banks
and roads, are the most productive places for
beating. After several smart strokes with a
beating stick, which will be necessary to dis-
lodge many of the caterpillars, the produce
may be examined, and the insects secured. The
best time for obtaining caterpillars is very early
in the moruing, and late in the evening, as the
greater part feed only during the night, and con-
ceal themselves by day.

390

It may be necessary to state, that it is by
far the most preferable mode to collect the cater-
pillars and rear them, as the perfect insects which
are caught on the wing are seldom found ina fine
state. By rearing the caterpillars with ordinary
care, and watching the appearance of the perfect
insect, fine specimens may be obtained, It is,
however, by no means intended to dissuade the
collector from capturing them under any circum-
stances, for many species are only to be obtained
in their winged state ; their caterpillars being

-unknown. ‘The middle and latter end of May,
is the harvest to the collector of Spring cater-
pillars ; or, if the season be backward, from the
beginning to the middle of June; and every ex-
ertion should be made to obtain as many of each
sort as can be conveniently supplied with food,
These must be very carefully handled, and de-
posited in the box carried for the purpose, taking
care to put into it some leaves of the different
plants on which they were found, and not forget-
ting to carry home a good supply. When taken
home, they should be immediately placed in the

breeding cage, and when it is necessary to re-

36

move them, to give them fresh food, care must
be taken to examine the leaves that none be

thrown away.

The butterflies are all day fliers,and many species
are to be taken on the wing, at this season. A
simple method will often bring them down even
in their most rapid flight, and has been success-
fully employed in taking the Purple Emperor but-
terfly, (Apatura Iris,) namely, to throw up a
stone or piece of tile before them, which they
will very often fly down with, and alight on
the ground, and are then easily captured.—
Some species will visit a single blossom, al-
though disturbed half a dozen times ; and thus,
by watching their haunts*, may be taken with
much less fatigue than running after them. But
at an early hour in the morning, before the sun

is very powerful, and about sun set, many will

* It should be remarked, that many insects are not only
local, but have their peculiar haunts : some species being
confined to one certain spot, and are not to be found in
any other part of the same wood. When, therefore, the
haunt of an insect is discovered, specimens may be taken
on the same spot for many years in succession,

37

be found on the flowers at the skirts of woods,
and in marshes. A warm damp air, which often
follows rain, is preferred by many species, when
they will be found flying near the ground ; and
in hot and dry weather, they will occasionally
settle on the mud in ditches. It should be re-
marked, that cool and windy days are very
unfavourable for collecting them.—‘* The gar-
den white butterfly, (Pontia Brassice,) is,” says
Harris, ‘‘ as good a token for fine weather as
may be ; when these flies are out in a morning,
_it seldom or ever happens but a fine day ensues.”’
But the best guide to collectors, as tothe flight
of insects, is that of martens and swallows :—
for, as they live entirely on insects, and accom-
modate their flight accordingly, it follows,
therefore, that if they fly high, insects will be
found very strong on the wing, but if the birds
fly low, insects may be beaten out of the
branches, or caught by the clap net. Insects are
usually abundant on the wing on the approach
of a tempest or rainy weather, particularly to-

wards evening.

38

Fine evenings, from March to October, (and
indeed nearly throughout the year,) should be

devoted to mothing.

“<< ’’Pis on some evening, sunny, grateful, mild,

When nought but balm is breathing through the woods,
With yellow lustre bright, that the new tribes

Visit the spacious heavens, and look abroad

On Nature’s common, far as they can see,

Or wing their range and pasture.”

Although some species of moths fly by day, or
in theafternoon, yet by far the greater number
begin to fly towards sun set, and continue to fly
to avery late hour. Indeed, it is most probable
that many fly all night, as some species have
been taken so late as twelve o’clock, and others,

at the very earliest dawn :

4 before the powerful king of day,
Rejoices in the East.”

When the air is very serene, the skirts of
woods, marshes, banks of rivers, and meadows,
near hedges, will be found the best situations ;

but if windy, lanes in woods, and sheltered

39

places ; “‘ twilight groves’’ and lanes are at all
times excellent places, and a western aspect the
best. Moonlight nights are rather unfavourable
for mothing. On dark nights, a good plan fora
single person to pursue, is to havea small “ bull's
eye’ lanthorn, with a lamp burner, fastened to
his hat by means of straps. If two persons are in
company, one might carry acommon lanthorn on
a stick, elevated as high as the head, the other
following with the clap net. The light will be
found to attract insects; and, it is obvious,

render it easy for them to be secured.

As many beetles, &c.are only abroad in the even-
ing and night, particularly after a warm shower
of rain, numbers may be found about gardens,
paths, roads, sand and gravel pits, &c. by means
of alanthorn. Many species of beetles, chiefly
(Carabide),may be found under clods of earth in

ploughed fields at this season.

The field cricket, (Acheta Campestris,) “ makes
its appearance about the 10th of March.” It

is extremely local, and generally gregarious,

40

and may be taken by the mode pointed out by
Mr. White, in his ‘Natural History of Sel-
bourne’ *. He states, that he found them in-
habiting a ‘‘furze close, consisting of a rocky
dry soil, and inclining to the afternoon sun.”
They make holes in the ground, generally ter-
minating under a stone, and the only method by
which he could obtain them, was to insinuate a
pliant stalk of grass into their caverns, and by
probing their windings to the bottom, force out

the inhabitants.

To mention the several trees, shrubs, and
plants, on which insects are to be found, would
he to give a catalogue of every tree and plant
in thecountry. Although they should all be
examined, yet a few of the most productive
may be pointed out. The oak harbours more
caterpillars than any other tree ; some very fine
insects are alse obtained by beating, and in its de-
eayed wood are found some cf our rarest beetles.
The poplar and lime are both very productive; as

are also the elm, willow and sallow, and the de-

* Vol. ii. p. 71.

2

Al

cayed bark and rotten wood, particularly of the
elm, «afford shelter to immense numbers of de-
structive beetles. The black thorn, while in
blossom, should be carefully beat. But it is
““where the white thorn whitens with lavish
fragrance,’ to whose blossoms numerous spe-
cies resort, that the collector will discover his
greatest source of profit. Before beating this,
or any other flowering shrub, a cursory glance
will often detect an insect feeding on the blossom
which may at once be secured with the forceps.
But with respect to flowers in general, I beg
once for all earnestly to recommend, that the
“ charming offspring of Flora” be carefully pre-
served, so long as they remain in blossom, as
they furnish considerable employment and profit
to the collector. They should be constantly
watched, as beetles, bees, and other flying insects,
are continually in search of “every opening
flower,’ and many hundreds will visit a single
blossom inaday. The gooseberry and currant
blossoms are continually visited by various kinds
of bees. Sallow, as soon as it is in bloom, is a

constant harbour for many bees and other insects,

i

* 4.2

and will well repay the labours of watching.
The sallow, in woods of about two or threetyears
growth, bears fine bloom, and the insects are
easily taken from it. Flowers in woods, marshes,
meadows, and gardens, should be constantly
searched, and many insects will be taken from
them at this season, for a short time only

which do not afterwards make their appearance.
Clover, while in blossom attracts many insects,
particularly moths in the evening. Gardens,

Where

ee their delicicus task, the fervent bees,
In swarming millions tend,”’

will be found continual sources of employment
and profit, from April to September. From the
trees, shrubs, and flowers, many insects may be
taken ; from the vegetables, fine caterpillars ;
and from old walls and pales, bees, moths, &c.
Sand and gravel banks, in fine sunny weather,
will be found very prolific in bees, and other four
winged insecis, and as they are extremely nume-
rous, and new species are occasionally being

discovered, every specimen possible should be

43

taken. In these situations they will be found
extremely active in their movements, and it will
require considerable dexterity to catch them.
The forceps is the only instrument that can be
of service close to the banks, but the clap net

will be useful for stragglers.

Some species of bees are subject to the attack
of a most singular parasitic insect, (Stylops
Melitta, plate, fig. 4.) which, from its rarity,
and the singularity of its history, is a most inter-
esting and desirable insect; the first bee it was
found on was the Melitte nigroenea_.of Kirby,
(Andrena of authors, plate, fig. 5.) but it has
since been discovered on several other species *.
The grub of it, (like the Ichneumonide larve in
caterpillars) actually exists in the internal parts
of the bee ; and, when ready to assume its per-
fect state, works its way out between the dorsal
segments of the abdomen; (plate, fig. 5. a. a.)

* This insect was first taken by A. H. Haworth, Esq.
F.LS., flying in his garden at Chelsea; and the Rev.
William Kirby, F.L.S., afterwards found it on the above

mentioned bee. Fora very full and interesting account
and figures of the dissections of this singular and inter-

AA

out of which it may sometimes be discovered
obtruding its black head, “ like an imp of dark-
ness just emerging from the infernal regions.”
The most likely method of obtaining this insect,
and probably other species, is to collect as many
of the bees as possible, by means of the forceps,
taking care not to hurt them, and put a few
together, under a tumbler, supply them with
a little honey and sugar, and allow them air; or,
a better plan, to any one interested in the sub-
ject, would be to construct a small square cage,
having the sides covered with wire gauze, and
in additiomto honey and sugar, stalks of sallow
and fresh flowers, might be put into a wide
mouthed bottle of water and placed in the cage,
and the stalks changed every night. In speaking
above of collecting all the bees for this purpose,
I do not mean the honey bee, (Apis Mellifica,)
nor the humble bees (Bombi); it is, however,
not impossible, that they may be subject to the
attack of a similar parasite.

esting insect, Vide Kirby’s “¢ Monographia Apum Angliz,”’
Vol, ii. p. 110, and plate 14, No. 2. Fig. 1. &c.

SUMMER.

Although an industrious collector, by strictly
following the foregoing instructions for Winter
and Spring, must have collected many species of
insects, yet his grand harvest will be at this sea-
son; for many make their appearance only in
the months of June and July. It may be neces-
sary here to state, that with the exception of the
employment to be found on sunny banks, and in
sand, and gravel pits, the hottest hours of the day
are not the most favourable for collecting. For
insects in general are so very strong on the wing,
and fly so high, that it is impossible to catch
them ; while others secrete themselves to avoid
the heat. For beating, therefore, the best time
decidedly is early in the morning and late in the
afternoon ; and on dull days, which should he

appropriated to this purpose.

46

The umbelliferous plants, (wild parsnip, carrot,
&c.) in woods and hedges, produce the greatest
abundance of insects. The blossoms of the
elderberry should be closely watched so long as
they last, at all times of the day ; but particu-
larly at noon in the hottest weather of June and
July. It should be observed that the best times
for collecting from flowers is when the sun
shines; although even in dull weather many
will be found : and the same flowers which in the
day attract various kinds of insects, are at night
visited by moths, &c. On dulldays, andabout sun-
set in fine weather, hedges and bushes, near
ponds, should be searched for the various dra-
gon flies (Libellulide), whichwill be found resting
on the branches, and may be taken with the
fingers ; but when on the wing, they are ex-
tremely rapid in flight, and difficult to take.

Pine and fir trees should at all times be
searched, both by beating the branches, pulling
off the bark, and digging into the decayed wood;

but at no season more than in the month of

AG

June, at which time some of our rarest and most

beautiful insects are taken from them.

Trees, faggots, hurdles, &c. and dead fences
in woods should always be examined. Indeed,
to point out the proper places for collecting,
and the different methods, during this season,
would be to repeat almost all that has been
said under the head of Spring, and to mention
every flower, bush, briar and tree, so numerous
are the habitats; they may, however, be sum-

med up by saying—search every where.

It has been already hinted, that this is consi-
dered the best season for collecting water insects,
not only that they are to be found in greater abun.
dance, but also that they may be collected with
much less inconvenience than in the Winter
months. But the collector must not be dis-
couraged if he should search several ponds and
not find a single insect; for it often happens
that one pond, nay, even one side of a pond,
will absolutely swarm with beetles, while seve-

ral others in the neighbourhood, and even the

48

other side of the same pond, may not produce a
single individual ; and as they fly by night, a
pond which one day will be alive with them,
will, perhaps, the next be quite deserted. Ponds
on commons with gravelly bottoms, seem to
produce the greatest number and variety of

water insects.

From the time that the thistles begin to
bloom, they should be constantly examined,
for different species of humble bees (Bombi)
will be found on them, in company with many

other insects. ;

In August and September, the grasshoppers.
(Gyrillide, &c.) will be found abundant in mea-
dows and marshes, and should not be neglect-
ed on account of similarity of appearance.
About the same time the field bugs (Cimices)

may be beat out of hedges, nettles, grass, &c.

The Summer chrysalides may be dug for to-
ward.the latter end of June, and the beginning
of July ; in the latter month the greatest num-

4.9

ber of moths make their appearance. Some
little allowance must always be made for the
time of appearance of insects in early and late

seasons.

During the Summer the galls which are
found on the leaves of the oak, willow, and
other trees, and also the oak apples should
be from time to time collected, for the purpose
of getting the different species of Cynips and

Eulophus (gall-flies), &c. Branches of the trees
having the galls on the leaves, should be ga-
thered, and the stems put into a phial of water
ina breeding cage, and kept until the perfect

insects come forth.

F

AUTUMN.

There is little to be done at this period, be-
yond what has been pointed out for the Winter ;
to the instructions for which (as they very
nearly suit the present season), I must beg leave
to refer the collector. There is one remark,
however, which should not be omitted, namely,
collecting chrysalides by digging ; the chance of
breeding which will be much diminished by col-
lecting them at an early period. But the chry-
salides of the death's head moth (Acherontia Atro-
pos) and many others, may be taken when pota-
toes are Gug up. Persons who are thus em-
ployed should be directed to carry a box having
a layer of damp moss at the bottom, and depo-
sit the chrysalides as taken ; they should be very
careful not to disturb them more than can pos-
sibly be avoided. The death's head moth ap-

al

pears in October and November. The last
brood of caterpillars will be found about the
middle of September, some of which live till the
Spring, and are very difficult to rear; but the
greater part go into the chrysalis state before

the approach of Winter.

Woods will still be found to produce many
species of moths (particularly Tortrices and
Tinee) by beating the underwood and hedges.
Some species of gnats (Culex) and crane-flies
(Tipule) peculiar to the season, may be found

about ponds, and windows in houses.

| The hollow stems of currant bushes, burdock,
common dock, and various other pithy plants
should be examined as well at this as at other
seasons for chrysalides, as many caterpillars are
internal feeders. Beetles also will often be
found secreted in the hollow stems of decayed
plants, The grubs found in apples, pears, and
nuts, may be reared with care; they should be
put into a cage having damp earth at the bot-
tom.

52

‘Ivy is the last Hower that supports the
Humenopterous and Dipterous insects. On sunny
days quite on to November they swarm on trees
covered with this plant ; and when they disap-
pear, probably retire under the shelter of its
leaves, concealing themselves between its fibres

and the tree which it entwines *.”’

It is necessary again to remind the collector
that many species of beetles found in dung and
elsewhere, and, indeed, of insects in general,
bear a very great similarity to each other; and
to the eye of the inexperienced, may be consi-
dered as belonging to the same species, yet
very many will be found on examination totally
distinct from each other. To those, therefore,
who wish to gratify their friends, by collecting
for them, as well as those who have not had
much experience in collecting for themselves,
it is strongly recommended never to attempt
to decide on species in the fields, but to collect
all that are found ; as otherwise from the above
reasons, it is evident that they will preclude the
probability of capturing new species whose dis-

* WHITE.

293

tinction is trifling, as well as lose many others,
the distinction of which can only be perceived
by a practised eye, assisted by a lens. Nor
should the Tyro while collecting, make a selec-
tion of species, nor consider the most beau-
tiful as alone valuable, for the most insignificant
insect in appearance, may, perhaps, prove the
very key stone of a natural system !

From the circumstance too, that many insects
are only abundant at distant and uncertain periods,
_ varying from three to thirty years, or more, it is
advisable for the collecter, however common an
insect may be,to take as many as possible at once,
and not to run the risk of losing the species, by
neglecting to take them at the proper time.
Young collectors are also advised, when they
are so fortunate as to meet with rare, or local
insects in abundance, not to fail availing them-
selves of the opportunity to take more than
they may require, in order not only to oblige
their friends by the gift of specimens which
they may not possess, but also to exchange
their duplicates for other species which may

>
| re)

o4

be desiderata to themselves ; by which means
both parties are obliged and enriched by the la-
bours of each other. To those who collect for
their friends, it is suggested, that they should
send them as many different sorts, and as
- many ofa sort as possible. And it may not be
useless to state, that those who oblige their
friends, whose only object is to collect the indi-
genous insects of Britain, should never, on any
account, send them foreign species, nor any
that are doubtful, by being imported with mer-
chandize, timber, plants, seeds, or otherwise,

without separating, and labelling them, accord-

ingly.

The entomologist would be gratified by hav-
ing the date, habitat, locality, or any other par-
ticulars respecting captured insects: it would
make the labour of the collector doubly valu-
anes The young student will of course keep a
regular journal of the times of appearance, habi-
tat, locality, food, &c. &c. of the insects which
he captures.

LOCAL HABITATS.

In addition to the instructions already given,
under the different seasons, a few local habitats
may be pointed out. For, although there is no
situation which does not harbour peculiar insects,
yet some are much more prolific than others,

and may be constantly resorted to with success.

Sanp, GRAVEL, AND CHALK Pits. These places
will furnish daily employment ; for insects are
either attracted by the warmth or colour of the
soil, or fall into the pits by accident; while
others resort to such situations in search of their
prey. Various kinds of beetles, bees, and other
four winged insects, will be found about the
banks. It is not enough, however, to search

the mere surface; stones, loose gravel, sand

36

rubbish, and dung, must be turned over, and
the banks scraped down with the digger. The
banks of pits and ponds should be trod or dug
down, and the loose earth examined; if the earth
and tufts of grass be thrown into the water,
the insects will be easily discovered on the sur-
face. On the approach of Winter, many insects
choose these places for their torpid abode; and
in Summer, in the middle of the day, to escape
the heat. Another method is, to stamp with the
feet, for a few minutes, by the sides of ponds,
and ditches, and in boggy ground, when beetles
will often make their appearance, particularly
in Summer. Many insects may also be taken in
the Spring and Summer, by examining the roots
of grass, while resting from more laborious ex-
ertion. It may be stated, that light and sandy
soils furnish the most, and clay the fewest in-

sects.

SraGnant Ponps, running streams, and their

banks, have each their peculiar insects.

=~

oy

‘¢ ________Where the pool
Stands mantled o’er with green invisible,
Amid the floating verdure millions stray.’’

By examining the surface of ponds, many in-
sects will be found, which fall in by accident.

Sanpy SuoreEs oF THE SEA, AND Rivers. These
situations produce peculiar and valuable insects.
Search should be made under stones, rotten
wood, dung, dead animals, weeds, and rejecta-
-menta, at all seasons. The bottoms, sides, and
fissures of perpendicular rocks should be con-
stantly searched, also salt marshes and brack-
ish waters; and trees, shrubs, and plants, near
these situations should be well beaten and ex-

amined.

Forests anp Woops. il ground which has
never been broken up, or cultivated, or which
has lain waste for a number of years, contain
the greatest number and variety of insects,
heaths excepted ; which, though they have their

rarities, are not very fertile habitats. These

28

situations are generally little known, and there-
fore form a wide field for discovery. ‘The New
Forest, in Hants; Epping Forest, in Essex ;
Ashdown Forest, in Sussex ; and Windsor
Forest, in Berks ; Combe Wood, in Surry ; and
Darent Wood, in Kent ; are nearest to the me-
tropolis ; and the interesting species (peculiar to
these places) which have been found, give ear-
nest of the rarities which they still contain. The
decayed trees, and water of these districts har-
bour rare insects ; and to the collector, the only
direction which can be given, is to leave not a

single place unsearched.

Marsues. The flowers of buttercups, and the
rushes, flags, and flowers in ditches should be
carefully examined ; also ozier beds, and wil-
lows, which often abound in marshes. The
morasses of Lincoln, Bedford, and Cambridge-
shires; and Whittlesea Mere, in Huntingdon-
shire, produce some insects which are exceed

ingly rare in other places.

Mountains, &c. The mountains, and indeed

59

every part of Ireland, Scotland and Wales, are
nearly new ground to the foot of the collector ;
they produce at every step insects new to our
Fauna. To the enterprizing, a visit to these

places would be well rewarded.

Fioops. ‘The rubbish left by occasional floods
in the Spring and Summer, should be collected
as soon as the waters begin to subside, in large
bags, and tied tight at the mouth, and when
brought home they should be immersed in scald-
ing water. ‘The bags should be left to dry, and
the rubbish examined at leisure, by shaking a
little at a time over a sheet..of white paper.
By this plan, myriads of insects may be ob-
tained.

Musurooms anv Toapsroo.s. (Fungi and Bo-
leli.) These are found on the ground in meadows,
commons, and parks ; and also ontrees. They
occasionally contain rare beetles. A good plan,
where a quantity is found, is to put it into an
open jar to attract insects, or lay it in a lump

under a hedge ; and when it begins to rot, many

60

insects will be found init. The grubs, may bé
placed in a breeding jar by themselves, with
plenty of food, and should be constantly visited.
Decayed vegetables and fruit should be well ex-
amined,

Winpows, &c. harbours many insects, and
should always be examined; a collection of
gnats, (Culices) might be made from these situa-
tions alone. Spider’s webs, both in and out of

doors, occasionally entangle rare insects.

Granaries, &c. The sweepings of granaries,
corn bins, &c., particularly if corn has lain some
time in them, will repay the trouble of examina-
tion. The caterpillars of several species of small
moths will be found in the rubbish, particularly
Tinea granella. Tan yards, corn mills, and

bakehouses, will also reward a search.

Hop Garpens. The hop plant is the resort
of many peculiar caterpillars and beetles. But as
it is too valuable to be beaten as before directed,

many insects may be detected. lurking un-

61

der the leaves, while the plants are growing.
But when the hops are being picked, those who
live in the neighbourhood, have a fine opportu-

nity of getting many insects.

Sueep Foups, should at all times be searched
for insects which torment the sheep; and when
they are sheared, their parasites may be taken.
Also about cattle, the bot flies, (Gistrus) &c. may
be taken. White horses are most tormented
with the forest fly, (Hippobosca).

62

PECULIAR METHODS

OF

COLLECTING INSECTS.

The following peculiar methods of entrap-
ping insects, will be found very useful for ob-
taining many species, which are otherwise
rarely taken. Several of these methods the
author has found very successful.

Lavine Baits. An excellent method, and by
which a great number of insects may be ob-
tained, is by laying wide-mouthed bottles,
baited with raw meat, tripe, &c. in sunny
banks, concealed among the long grass. The

bottles should be buried up to the neck, in an

63

upright position, and as soon as the contents
begin to decompose, many insects will be found.
They may be visited every morning, and the in-
sects shook out upon a sheet of brown paper,
carried for the purpose. ‘Traps similar in con-
struction to those used in houses for catching
cock-roaches, (Blatta Orientalis) and baited as re-
commended for the bottles, might also be em-
ployed. The aperture should be so small as
not to admit mice, which are destructive to in-
sects. Old cellars, subterraneous passages, barns,
stables, damp pits, &c. also contain various in-
sects, which might be taken by this means.
Another method, also very successful during the
Spring and Summer, is laying bones (particu-
larly marrow bones), with a little meat left on
them, horns of sheep, &c. about sand and

gravel pits, woods and gardens.

Dune or Horsss, &c. An excellent method
for those who have the opportunity, for taking
beetles from the dung of various animals, is

pointed out by Messrs. Kirby and Spence *,

* Introduction to Entomology, Vol. iv. p. 523.

64

namely, to immerse the dung in water, when
the insects will be found swimming on the top:
many may be collected this way, which from
their quick movements escape observation, in
the ordinary mode of collecting. Pieces of
board, laid on dung heaps or cucumber beds, in
the months of June and July, will attract small
beetles, (Pselaphide) which will be found to ad-
here to the underside. ‘

Op Trees, dead fences, and felled timber,
should always be carefully examined. From
the little round holes many beetles and bees may
often be obtained, by inserting a stem of grass,
or straw, and probing the holes to the bottom.
Tobacco smoke infused into the holes, will also
quickly bring them out. The forceps must
always be kept close to the hole to catch the
insect as soon as it appears. ‘The holes in
banks might also be probed with success.
Hedge-stakes, perforated with holes, should be
carefully split, for they harbour small beetles
and other insects, Timber in yards should be

69

well searched, and the holes probed or
smoked ; and the insects found on or near
foreign timber, kept separate and labelled.

Beatine Trees. Beating into a clap net or
umbrella has already been recommended, but a
far more profitable mode may be adopted, by
two persons carrying a large sheet, while a third,
with a pole twenty or thirty feet long, beats the
highest branches of frees. Not only rare beetles
and other insects are thus obtained, but also
caterpillars, which only feed on the highest
branches. From oaks the beautiful caterpillar
of the purple emperor butterfly (Apatura Iris)
may be beaten. A sheet laid on the ground in
a garden or wood inahot Summer's day will
attract many insects. As sweets will attract
them within doors, there is little doubt but they
might be employed to advantage without.
Sheets of white paper smeared with honey
water, beer, and sugar, or sugar sprinkled over
them would answer the purpose.

TAKING CATERPILLARS. A method of collect-

9
G vw

66

ing caterpillars I here transcribe from the “‘ New
Times,” of the 24th of August, 1820; premis-
ing, that it might be tried in potatoe grounds in
September, for taking the caterpillar of the
death's head moth, (Acherontia Atropos) which,
as well as many others, only feed by night, and
conceal themselves during the day. ‘A gar-
dener at Glasgow has a mode of destroying
caterpillars, which he discovered by accident.
A piece of woollen rag had been blown by
the wind into a currant bush, and when taken
out was found covered with those leaf-destroy-
ing insects. He immediately placed pieces of
woollen cloth in every bush in his garden, and
found the next day that the caterpillars had
universally taken to them for shelter. In this
way he destroys many theusands every morn-
ing.” Many caterpillars may also be found at
night by searching the various plants in gar-
ders, woods, and hedges, by means of a lan-

thorn.

Arrracrinc Morus, &c. The following me-

thod has been very successfully employed on

67

fine evenings, during the Summer. Having a
table placed near an open window facing a gar-
den, or in a summer-house with a lanthorn or
large lamp, the flame being secured bya glass,
the light will attract moths and other noc-
turnal insects, and’ numbers may be taken
with the forceps. Barbut, Harris and others,
mention a practice which has long been suc-
cessfully adopted by London collectors for
attracting the males of the fox, and grass
egger muths, (Lasiocampa Rubi, and Quer-
cus.) When they have bred or taken a female
of either of those species, they put her alive
while a virgin, into a box with a gauze lid, and
take her to a wood, and, in favourable weather,
she never fails to attract a number of males,
which are easily taken. There is little doubt
but that many other species of insects might be

attracted, if exposed in a similar manner.

INSTRUCTIONS
FOR

KILLING AND PRESERVING

INSECTS.

Before entering on the subject of the best
method of killing and preserving insects, a
word or two may not be out of place on the
subject of cruelty, with which the collector is
so often charged. This, to say the least of it,
is inconsiderate, for the very person who would
feel shocked at the idea of killing a beetle,
would the next moment eat a living oyster,
or partake of eels, skinned, and very probably
fried alive, without a symptom of remorse: so

much for consistency! But, as the excellent

69

authors of the “‘Introduction to Entomology,”
have so ably rebutted the charge of cruelty, in
the second letter of the first volume of that ad-
mirable work, it will only be necessary to refer
the reader for answers to the objections which
have been raised. As the author is an advyo-
cate for putting insects to the most speedy
death, he begs to suggest the means by which

it may most easily be effected.

BEETLES, AND Fietp Bues, cf a black or
dark colour only, may be put into a phial half
filled with weak spirits of wine, (which is
the least objectionable) by this means they are
instantly killed; when taken home pour the
contents of the bottle on a piece of muslin
over a cup, and return the spirit for future use ;
then place the insects on blotting paper, to ab-
sorb the moisture. It is wished to impress
upon the collector, that only dark coloured in-
sects should be put into spirits ; as the colours
of bright species are very much injured, if not
entirely destroyed by them. Beetles and field-
bugs are also instantly killed by being plunged

70

into boiling water ; but this mode is objection-
able for bright coloured or hairy insects. When
taken out of the water they must be laid on
blotting paper. The most preferable method of
killing beetles, &c. is to place them in a tin box,
or cannister, and then immerse it in boiling
water, taking care that no water find its way into

the inside ; by this means the insects are not
only quickly killed, but their colours are pre-

served, and the juices partly absorbed ; which
renders them much less liable to mold or grease.

With regard to the larger kinds of butterfties,
moths, and dragon-flies, when taken, they should
be sharply pressed with the finger and thumb
on the underside of the thorax, hard enough to
kill, but not to injure them; taking particular
care not to touch the upper side of the wings.
A pin should then be passed through the upper
side of the thorax in an upright position, (as
shewn pl. fig. 3.).. Those which are more tena-
eious of life, are instantly killed by dipping a
pin in aqua fortis, and piercing the insect in the
breast. Small moths, flies, &c., are instantly

ie

killed by the fumes of sulphur. If the insects
are in pill boxes, elevate the lids on one side
very slightly, place the boxes under a tumbler
or bason, and put a lighted match underneath,
taking care not to scorch the boxes. When the
match is suffocated withdraw it, and let the

boxes remain for a few minutes, when the in

sects will be found dead *.

The fiying insects (Neuroptera, Hymenoptera,
Trichoptera, and Diptera,) may be killed by
squeezing the thorax, or piercing them in the
breast with a pin dipped in aqua fortis. Small
insects in quills are immediately killed, by put-
ting the quills into hot water, for a few seconds.

* The eggs of butterflies and moths, which are often
laid in the collecting box, should be carefully preserved,
and the young caterpillars, when hatched, supplied with
food. If their proper food is not known they should be
tried with the leaves of various kinds of trees and plants.
Specimens of very rare insects have been reared fiom eggs
thus obtained. [tis an astonishing fact, and shews the
wonderful provision of nature for the preservation of her
creatures, that it is almost impossible to kill a female of
this and other tribes of insects before she has lain her

eggs.

wy <
4

This is preferable to holding the quiils over a
candle, as the insects are sooner killed, and their
juices are not dried so quickly as to prevent
their legs, and antenne from being displayed.

Having killed the insects,-the next step is to
preserve them. Beetles should be pierced by a
pin of corresponding size, in a perfectly upright
position, through the right wing case (Elytron)
as shown (plate, fig. 1,) and never through the
thorax. The legs and antenneé should be displayed
in a natural position on the setting-board, and
kept so by means of pins, and braces, (as also
shewn plate, fig. 1.) where they should remain
until they are perfectly dry. Minute leeéles and
other insects, should be gummed* on small
wedges of card or stiff paper, and the wedges
stuck with .a pin (plate, fig. 4 and 6.) The
gum should be thinly spread, with a camel's
hair pencil, and the insect placed upon it, the
legs &c. being extended by means of a clean

* Common gum water will not hold sufficiently strong,
isinglass must be mixed with it in a sufficient quantity to

make a strong jelly when cold.

It may be warmed when
used.

73

pencil. Field bugs, butterflies, moths, bees, and
other winged insects, and also flies (Diptera)
should be pierced as represented in the plate,
fig. 2,3, and 5.

All the winged insects, should have their
wings extended before they are stiff, by means
of braces, as shewn in the plate, fig. 3, and 5, the
wings being elevated with the setting needles ;
and the braces must remain several days on
the insects, until their moisture is evaporated,
and they are quite stiff. As the underside of
the wings of the butterflies are not only very
beautiful, but it being necessary to shew them
to determine some of the species, those spe-
cimens whose upper wings are rubbed, should
be selected for the purpose, and pierced with
a pin in the centre of the underside of the
thorax. A single brace for each wing will often
be sufficient. In piercing insects, it should
always be remembered, that the pin should ex-
tend at least a quarter of an inch through the in-
sect. The wings and wing cases (Elytra) of beetles ;
&c,, may be extended in a similar manner, by
piercing the insect in the centre between the two

i,

74

eases, and the elytra and wings extended, as
shown plate fig. 2. To set insects well, requires
considerable practice, and would perhaps be too
great a tax upon the patience of those who col-
lect for their friends. It is therefore needless
to trouble them, as the entomologist can always
relax the insects sent, and in most cases would
prefer setting them himself. But they must be
pierced as upright as possible. Small moths re-
quire very great care in piercing. After being
killed by means of sulphur, they should be
shaken out of the box into the palm of the hand,
and the pin passed through the thorax, (without
touching the insect with the fingers,) the head
of the pin inclining very much over the head of
the insect; by this means, when the pin is
placed upright on the setting board, the moth
will be in such a position, that it will be only
necessary to elevate the wings slightly with the
setting needle, and the insect will be completely

set, without the aid of braces.

Insects which have been pierced, are very

easily relaxed, by sticking them on a piece of

75

cork, and letting the cork float in a bason half
filled with water, taking care that no part of
the insect touches the cork. If the bason be
covered with a damp cloth, they will be the
sooner relaxed. If the insects are not pierced
with a pin they should be laid in the lid of a tin
box, and placed on the floating cork; beetles,
&e. may be placed on damp flannel in a plate
and covered with a bason. Some insects re-
quire a very short time to relax, others several
days; they may be set by means of braces
and pins, in the same manner as recent speci-

mens,

If by any accident a leg or any part of an in-
sect be broken it should immediately be gummed
on, and on no account whatever, should the
vile practice of supplying limbs from another
insect be adopted. Mouldy insects may be
cleaned by means of a camel’s hair pencil, dipped
in spirits of wine ; but it should be very sparing-

ly used for high coloured species.

The colours of the dragon flies (Libellulide) and

76

some grasshoppers, (Locustide, &c.) will be en-
tirely lost, and the bedy shrivel up; and the
bodies of many large moths are also very liable
to grease, unless they are stuffed. The under-
side of the body must be cut open by means of
a fine pair of scissors, and the contents removed
as carefully as possible, as soon as they are
dead. The cavity should be nicely filled with a
roll of white cotton or blotting paper, so as to
give the insect its proper shape. The species of
the blossom eating beetles (Melée) with soft
bodies, must undergo the same preparation.
For old specimens of insects which turn greasy,
French chalk scraped over them and then ex-
bes to the heat of a fire will often remove
it; but the chalk must remain on for several
ba and the process St until the grease
is eradicated.

To preserve the eggs of butterflies or moths,
the following method, practised by Swammer-
dam, (quoted by Mr. Donovan) will be found to
answer the purpose. “ Pierce the eggs with a
fine needle, and press the juice through the

77

aperture ; then inflate them, until they regain
their proper form, by means of a small glass
tube, then fill them with oil of spike in which
some resin is dissolved.’’

To PreserRvE CATERPILLARS. The animal
must first be killed by immersion in spirits of
wine, then empty the contents of the body by
the gradual pressure of the finger and thumb,
beginning at the head, and pressing on to the
anus, at which part a small aperture should be
previously made. When the skin is cleared as
much as possible, introduce a piece of hay or
slender straw into the anus, round which, and
near to the extremity, pass loosely a fine thread ;
then blow through the tube, and when the skin
is fully inflated, withdraw it, at the same time
pulling the thread tight, and secure it by a knot.
The caterpillar will now exhibit its proper shape
and colours; to retain which, all that is neces-
gary, is to hold it near the fire, until perfectly
dry, which will be in a few minutes. Another
method is, when the contents of the body are

LQ

78

removed as above, to fill the skin with very fine
dry sand ; by this means the insect is brought
to its natural shape; in a few hours the skin
will dry, and the sand may be shaken out. Ca-
terpillars, thus prepared, may be either pierced
with a pin, or gummed on a strip of card. They
may also be preserved, without any further pre-
paration by merely suspending them from the
cork in a phial filled with spirits of wine. The
phial shouldbe close stopped, and thecork dipped
in wax.When caterpillars, either from their rarity
or otherwise, cannot be preserved, a coloured
drawing should always be made of them when

in their last skin.

The shells of chrysalides have merely to be
pierced through with a pin, or gummed ona
piece of card when the insects have left them :
or, if it be wished to kill a chrysalis, it may be
done in a moment by dropping it into scalding
water, Mr. Donovan says, that “ if the chrysa-

lides which have the appearance of gold, are

79

\
put into spirits of wine, they will always retain
that colour, but, if the insect within is killed
first, or, if the fly has quitted it, such appear-
ance is entirely lost.”’

To Preserve Spipers. (Aranea, Lin.) This
tribe of animals, which are exceedingly numer-
ous, and present an infinite variety of form and
beauty of marking, are generally neglected by
the collector from the difficulty of preserving
them, The following method is recommended
by Mr. Donovan: “ after the spider is killed by
means of hot water, the entrails should be im-
mediately extracted, then inflate them by means
of a blow pipe, and cleanse the inside no more
than is sufficient to prevent mouldiness for fear
of injuring the colours; the abdomen may then
be filled with sand.’ This will, in general,
answer the purpose; but the following method,
mentioned to me by J. H. Griesbach, Esq., is
very successful. Pierce the spider through the
thorax with a pin, and put it into a deal box,
and hold it near the fire for a few minutes ;

when the insect will be found dead, the con-

80

tents of the abdomen dried, and the form and
colours preserved. It will require a little prac-
tice to determine the exact time it should re-
main ; for if left too long, or the heat is too
great, it will burst.

Insects must always be put away out of the
reach of spiders, earwigs, &c: which will destroy
in one night the labour of many days collect-
ing ; and care must be taken to secure camphor
in the boxes to keep out mites, &c., which are
very destructive to them.

PackinG Insects. Great care must be taken
in packing, or the labour of the collector
will have been in vain. Those insects which
are pierced, might be sent pinned firmly into a
corked box kept for the purpose; but loose
ones are best sent in tin boxes, filled up with
bran or sand; taking particular care that the
insects, as well as the bran or sand, are perfectly
dry, and filling up the box to prevent breakage.
Caterpillars should have a plentiful supply of

leaves, as well for food on their journey, as also

SI

to keep them from being shaken. Underground
chrysalides should be sent in boxes covered with
damp moss, while those which change above

ground may be packed in dry moss, or cotton.

To remove the prejudice which is often felt
against insects by persons unacquainted with
them, and yet are willing to collect for their
friends, they may be assured, that, with the ex-
ception of bees, hornets, and wasps, (which are
easily secured by means of the “orceps,) all the
rest are perfectly harmless.

82

INSTRUCTIONS

FOR COLLECTING AND PRESERVING

CRUSTACEA AND SHELLS.

As many Entomologists collect Crustacea
and Shells, a few brief instructions for collect-
ing and preserving these interesting objects,

may not, perhaps, be unacceptable.

Crustacea, (familiar examples of which are,
crabs, lobsters, shrimps, and woodlice,) are ex-
tremely numerous. Animals of this tribe are
found in every possible situation on the sea-
shore ; in empty shells, under stones, rubbish,
sea weed, little pools, or buried in the sand.

835

Many species are also found in rivers, stagnant
ponds, and ditches, and are often brought up
in the net while fishing for insects. Many are
found upon various kinds of fish; and others
under the bark of decayed trees. After astorm,
or gale of wind, as well as on the retiring of
the tide, the beach should be well searched.
Many, it is possible, make their appearance only
in the evening and night. The fishermen and
shrimp-catchers should be requested to pre-
serve any which they may drag up; and the
different fish brought to market should be exa-
mined. By this means rare and interesting species
may be obtained. Many of these animals are
extremely local, and the collector should be
careful not to neglect the opportunity of taking
a sufficient quantity, however plentiful they
may appear; for it often happens that what is
common with the collector, is unknown to the

naturalist.

For collecting Crustacea, the smaller kinds
might be put into a wide mouthed bottle, half

filled with water or spirits of wine. The larger

84.

crabs, &c. should have their claws tied, to prevent
their injuring each other, and might be put into
a bag. Those found near the sea, may be killed
by being put into cold fresh water, and should
remain some hours to extract the salt. The
fresh water species are easily killed by being
plunged into spirits of wine.

They should be pierced with proper sized
pins, and their legs, &c. placed in a natural
position. If intended to be sent to a distance,
they may be stuck in a corked box, or wrapped
jn soft paper and packed in a box, on layers of
cotton ; taking particular care of their legs, &c.

which are very brittle when dry.

Suetis. With regard to collecting shells, it is
necessary to hint to those who reside at or visit
the sea coast, that the best shells are those in
which the animal is found alive ; the empty shells
are of little value, as the sun and tide destroy

their beauty; still they are not to be rejected.

85

Fishermen often drag them up in their nets, and
should be requested to preserve any they may
find. It also often happens that among the es-
culent shell-fish brought to market, other shells
may be found, Gales of wind, and storms, often
throw up live shells on the beach: collectors
should search for them immediately on the
ebbing of the tide. ‘The coasts of Cornwall and

Devonshire are the most productive in Eng-
land,

Many fresh water species may be collected
when fishing for insects ; and an immense num-
ber of species of snails (Helix,) &c., might be
got together in the course of one year, while
in search of insects. ‘Those who are interested
in the study of Conchology will, of course, keep
the animals alive a few days, in order to observe
their structure and habits. The collector should
ever bear in mind, that none should be neglect-

ed from their apparent similarity.

When it is wished to kill the animal in the
shell, it should be put into scalding water for a

M

86

few seconds, and then plunged into cold water,
which condenses the fish and renders it easier
to be extracted. Crooked wires will, in gene-
ral, be found useful, in perfectly extracting the

contents of the shell.

The collector should be provided with a can-
vas bag, for the larger sorts, and a wide mouthed
bottle or tin box for the smaller ones ; also one
or two oyster knives, for taking shells from the
rocks, and a hammer and chisel for such as per-
forate rocks and stones. A landing net, with
very small meshes, or the net used in fishing for
insects, and a small spade will be necessary

to dig for those which bury themselves in the
sand.

LIST, &c.

TueE following is a short list of Insects, &c.,
the greater part of which have been recently
added to the British Fauna. Some are unique,
and many of them very rare, and the greater part
are desideratu to the London Cabinets. For
the description of the insects, the student is
again referred to Mr. Stephens’s forthcoming
work. The habitat, locality, and period of
appearance have been inserted, so far as could
be ascertained. The figures refer to the months
in which they have been captured; and those
printed in italics are referred, in Mr. Samouelle’s
calendar, to a different habitat or locality.

INSECTA.

COLEOPTERA.

Alpzus castaneus. Under stones, Devon, 5.
Apate muricata. Under bark, Epping Forest, 6.
Aphanisticus emarginatus. Moss, Coombe Wood, 4.
Aphodius bimaculatus. Under dung, Windsor, 6.
Peccari. Dung, Windsor, 6.
tessulatus. Dung, Old Ford, Mr. Beck, 4.
Aspidiphorus orbiculatus. Hull? Mr. Spence.
Atherophagus nigricornis. Flowers, Hertford, 6.
Berosus obsoletus. Ditches, Whittlesea-mere, Mr. Chant, 5.
Blemus discus. Windsor, and Hackney Marshes, 4.
unifasciatus. Greenwich Road, 6.
Bolbocerus mobilicornis. Dung, Darent, Keut, 6.
Brachinus glabratus. Under stones, Dover, Mr.Stephens, 7.
sclopeta. Under stones, Devon, Dr. Leach, 9.
Buprestis enea. Ebberley, Devon, 6.
Byrrhus cinctus. Gravel pits, Hampstead Heath, 4.
Callidium fennicum. Oaks, Hainhault Forest, 8.

88

Callidium testaceum. ‘Trees, Battersea, 6.

Carabus auratus. Under stones, Norfolk.
convexus. Under stones, Salop, 4.

Cassida vittata. Flea-bane, Windsor, 7.

Chlenins melanoceras. Whittlesea-mere, 7.

Cleonis albidus. Gravel pits, Suffolk, 7.
glaucus. Cobham Heath, 6.

Clerus alvearius. Dorking, Mr. Waterhouse, 6.

Colymbetes Grapii. Norfolk, Mr. Curtis, and Whittlesea, 5.

Cucujus complanatus. Granaries and Corn-bins, 12.

Dendrophilus seminulum. Gravel pits, Coombe, 3. 6.

Diaperis enea. Fungi, Ripley, 7.

Distomus Leachii, Devon, 6.

Donacia dentata. Aquatic plants, Salisbury, 7.
potamogetonis. Aquatic plants, Salisbury, 7.
semicuprea. Aquatic plants, Salisbury, 7.

Dromius meridionalis. Southend, 4.
notatus. Southend, 4.

Elaphrus cupreus. Marshy places, Chelsea, 9.

Elater aulicus. ‘Trees, Devon, Dr. Leach, 6.
bimaculatus. Underwood, Darent Wood, 5.
brunneus. Underwood, New Forest, 6.
Equiseti. Underwood, Birch Wood, Kent, 6.
fugax. Underwood, New Forest, 6.
pubescens. Decayed Trees, New Forest, 6.
sanguinicollis. Stumps of Trees, Copenhagen

Fields, 10.
seriaticornis. Underwood, Bristol, 6.
testaceus. Underwood, Bristol, 6.
varius. Underwood, Windsor, 6.
ustulatus. Underwood, New Forest, 6.

Elicopis impressus. Rotten Elms, Hyde Park, 1. 2. 3.

Emus hirtus. Dead animals, New Forest, 7.

Eumolpus pygmeus. Willows, Swansea, 5.

Galleruca rustica. Aquatic plants, Whittlesea, 6. 7.

Heterocerus levigatus. Mud of Ponds, Copenhagen Fields,
6, 9.

Hister merdarius. Dung in Fields near London, 4.

Hylurgus sulcatus. Timber Yards, Southwark, 8.

Hypophleus bicolor. Bark of Elm, Kensington, 2. 4.

Hypulus quercinus. Oak, Darent and Coombe, Mr. Stone, 6.

Lamprias rufipes. Underwood, New Forest, 6.
nigritarsis. Broom, Darent Wood, 6.

Lebia hemorrhoidalis. Trees? Netley, 6.

89

Leptura abdominalis. Flowers, Darent Wood, 6.
4-fasciata. Umbell. flowers, Colney Hatch, 8.
preusta. Flowers, New Forest, 6.
scutellata. Decayed trees, New Forest, 6.

Malachius ruficollis. Plants, Whittlesea, 6.

Melandria canalieulata. New Forest, Mr. Bentley, 6.

Monochamus sartor. Ebberley, Devon, and Surrey, 6.

Nebria picicoruis. Under stones? Salop and Devon, 5.

Nemosoma elongata. Darent, Mr. Stephens, 6.

Nitidula strigata. Under bark, Coombe, 3.

Nosodendron fasciculare. Devon, 5.
setigerum. Devon, 5.

Onthophagus medius. Dung, Battersea, 7.

Ophonus obscurus. Hackney Marshes, 4.

Orchesia fasciata. Boleti ? New Forest, 7.

Orobitis globosus. Gravel pits, Coombe, 6.

Orsodacna humeralis. Oak and White thorn, Mr.

Bainbridge, 5, 6.

Panageus 4 pustulatus. Under stones, Hertford, 6.

Patrobus rufipes. Under stones, Battersea Fields, 6. 9.

Plinthus caliginosus. Charlton, Coombe, and Highgate, 8.

Phaleria cornuta. Meal, 6.

Polistichus fasciolatus. Southend and Cley, Norfolk, 4.

Saperda carcharias. Trees, Dean Forest, 7.

Silpha nigrita. Fields, Yorkshire, 8.

Stenolophus vaporariorum. Gravel pits, Wandsworth, 4, 9.
vespertinus. Banks of Ponds, Copenhagen Fields, 6.

Tenebrio ferruginea. Old bran, Bakehouses, 8.

Throscus obtusus. Oak, 9, Mr. Westwood, Moss, 10.

Tillus ambulans. Oaks, New Forest, 6.

Trachys nana. Underwood, Coombe, Mr. Stephens, 6.

Trachyscelis Aphodioides. Sandy places, New Forest, 6.

Trichius variabilis. Trees, Windsor Forest, Mr. Gries-

bach, 6.
Xylita rufipes. Rotten trees, Windser Forest, Mr. Gries-
bach, 7.

ORTHOPTERA.

Acheta italica? Norfolk, Mr. Haworth, 6.
sylvestris. New Forest, 7.
Acrida verrucivora. Fields, Rochester and Dover, 7, &.
Blattalapponica. ‘l'rees, Albury, 6,
pallida, Trees, Devon, 6.

90

Blatta Panzeri. ‘Trees, New Forest, 6.
perspicillaris. Underwood, New Forest, 6.

NEUROPTERA.

ZEshna Dalii. Whittlesea-mere, Mr. Dale, 6.
Cordulia compressa. Near Ponds, Dorset, 7.
Gomphus pulchellus. Dover, Mr. Stephens, 8.

HYMENOPTERA.

Amasis obscura. Lincolnshire, 5.
Chrysis fulgida. Gravel banks, Coombe and Epping, 6.-7.
Peltastes necatorius. Plaistow Marshes, Mr. W. Beck, 8.
Psen Equestris. Gravel banks, Coombe, 7.
Rhopalum rufiventre. Gravel banks, Coombe, 7.
Urocerus magus. ‘Trees, near London, 6.

juvencus. Pinetrees, Bexley and Bessell’s Green, 7,8.

HEMIPTERA.

Agramma leta. Moss, Coombe, Mr. Westwood, 10.
Alydus calearatus. Broom, Coombe Wood, 7.
Orthonotus leucocephalus. Grassy banks, 7.

Tetyra obliqua. Gardens, Islington, Mr. Cooper, 10.

LEPIDOPTERA.

Acontia Solaris. Dover, 6.
Agrotis margaritosa. Hackney, 9, 10.
pyrophila. Southgate, 7.
radiatus. Derby, Devon, 7.
renigera. Scotland, 6.
subgothica. Barnstaple, Mr. Raddon 8,
subterranea. West Ham, 6.
Templi. Birmingham and Liverpool, 9.
Alcis sericearia. New Forest, 6.
Catocala promissa. ‘Trees, Richmond Park, 6.
Cerura bicuspis. Darent Wood, 7.
Charadrina glareosa. Birch Wood, 9.
Cleora cinctaria. New Forest, 6.
teneraria. New Forest, 8.
viduaria. New Forest, 6.
Colias chrysotheme. Norfolk, 9.

Europome. Lewes and Brighton, 7.
Euplocamus mediellus. Birch Wood, 9.
Geometra delunaria. Birch Wood, 6.
Glyphipteryx Schefferella. Plants, Stoke Newington, 8.
Graphiphora ravida. Heaths, Hants, 8.

OF

Hepialus carnus. Birmingham, 8.
Hipparchia Hero. Ashdown Forest, 6.
Ligea. Isle of Arran, 8-
Mnemon. Cumberland, 6.
Lasiocampa Medicaginis. New Forest. 6.
Spartii. New Forest, 7.
Leiocampa dicteoides, Darent Wood, 7.
Lobophora viretata. Darent Wood, 6.
Lophopteryx cucullina. Birch Wood, 3.
Lucania impudens. Whittlesea-mere, 7.
Macaria emutaria. New Forest, 6.
strigilaria. Darent Wood, 6.
Miselia bimaculosa. Bristol, 6.
Notodonta torva. Dublin, 7.
Ophiusa? anomala. Heaths, Hants, 8.
Papilio Podalirius. New Forest, Mr. Hawkins, 8.
Plusia aurifera. Dover, Mr. Lyon.
Psyche fusca. Hornsey wood, 6.
Ptilophora variegata. Birch Wood, 9.
Simyra musculosa. Whittlesea-mere, 6.
Speranza sylvaria. Scotland, Mr. Dale. 7.
Tortrix turionana. ‘Trees, Regent’s Park, 8.
Valeria oleagina. ‘Trees, Richmond Park, 7,
Xylena conspicillaris. Birch Wood, 6.
perspicillaris. - Birch Wood, 6.
pulla. Woodside, near Epping, 6.

DIPTERA.

Atherix Ibis. Trees, Darent River, Mr. Cooper, 7.
Anthrax Pandora. Dover, 7.
Baccha obscuripennis. Banks, Bromley, 6.
Bombylius ctenopterus. Dover, 7.
Criorhina asilica. Flowers, Darent Wood, 6.
berberina. Flowers, Darent Wood, 6.
floccosus. Flowers, Devon, 6.
oxyacanthe. Flowers, Darent Wood, 6.
Ranunculi. Flowers, Darent Wood, 6.
Eristalis lunatus. Flags in Ponds, Copenhagen Fields, 6.
Medeterus notatus. Hedges, Copenhagen Fields, 6.
(Estrus pictus. New Forest, Mr. Samouelle, 6.
Rhingia campestris. Woods, Norfolk, 6.
Sericomyia borealis. Flowers, Coombe, and Norwood, 7.
mussitans. Flowers, Darent Wood, ¢.

92
Tipula nigra. Whittlesea-mere, 6.
Tropidia milesiformis. Whittlesea~mere, 6.
Volucella inflata. Darent Wood, 6.
OMALOPTERA.
Hemobora pallipes. New Forest, Mr. Samouelle, 9.

ARACHNOIDA.

Linyphia triangularis.

Micrommata smaragdina. Darent, Mr. Stephens, 6.
Opilio bimaculatus. Battersea Fields.

Oxyopes lineatus ? Darent, 6.

Trogulus Nepiformis. Darent, 6.

CRUSTACEA.
Calliope rupestris. Derwent, Dr. Leach.
Gebia stellata. Ditto ditto.

Megalopa Bulwerii. Irish Sea, Mr. Bulwer.
Nemertus Nesoides. Derwent, Dr. Leach.
Perimeles denticulatus. Sussex, &c. Mr. Stephens.
Polybius Henslowii. Welch Coast, Professor Henslow.
Portunus depurator. Devon, &c. Dr. Leach.
emarginatus. Yarmouth.
lividus. Devon, &c. Dr. Leach.
pusillus, ditto ditto.

THE END.

Cc. SMITH, PRINTER, ONE BELL YARD, SFRAND.

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