Fig. 2.—Ledra Aurita (Mag.)
The number of insects is so large (about 13,000 different kinds are found in our own country alone) that it will be found impossible by any one to collect the whole at once; and to study them all is completely out of the question. A single insect, indeed, is ample to occupy a whole lifetime in the elucidation of its life history. Most persons, when they commence to study insects, collect indiscriminately everything which comes in their way; but they soon find the subject too immense for them to grasp as a whole, and they either give up collecting altogether, or else confine their attention to a single group or order of insects. We would recommend every young person to make up his mind at the first which group or groups of insects he has a special fondness or liking for. Having done so, he will require to know the best means of attaining his object—namely, the formation of a collection. A few hints, therefore, as to the mode of collecting and preserving insects in general may be of assistance to the young collector.
Fig. 3.—Aphæna Amabilis.
First of all, as to the apparatus necessary for collecting insects.
This will be found very simple and inexpensive. A butterfly net is, perhaps, the most useful requisite. An ordinary cane-gauze net will do well. A good stock of chip pill-boxes will also be needed. These can be purchased from the shop of any Natural History dealer at about 3d. per dozen, nested (in four sizes).
Fig. 4.—Orthesia Urticæ (Mag.)
For collecting aquatic insects and their larvæ we shall require a water net, made of fine zinc-gauze, about six inches in diameter, to group about among stones and other rubbish at the bottom of pools and ditches. This instrument should be made so as to slip on and off a walking-stick when required.
A killing bottle charged with cyanide of potassium or with chopped laurel leaves completes the outfit.