George Adams

CHAP. XII. INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS--A COPIOUS LIST OF MICROSCOPIC OBJECTS. BY THE EDITOR.

Those who have been long accustomed to microscopical investigations will readily admit, that the numerous class of insects, and their several parts, afford some of the most diversified, as well as the most admirable objects for the microscope. To readers of this description, who should be considered as adepts, the following instructions may possibly afford little that is novel, as by constant habit they must be thoroughly conversant in the best manner of procuring and preserving the various objects; it may be, however, reasonably presumed, that there are many persons who have not hitherto devoted their attention to this subject, as well as numbers who, deterred by the imaginary difficulties attending it, have either totally relinquished the pursuit, or made but small progress therein; to such, the directions here given it is hoped will prove an acquisition.

Confident as I am of the delights which this employment affords to the intelligent and industrious admirer of the works of nature, it is to be deplored that so many persons, who possess every requisite for these enjoyments, should remain totally insensible to their attractions; how much might be atchieved, could such be prevailed upon to devote their hours of leisure to so rational a purpose? especially if it be considered how easily these pleasures are to be attained, as well as the tranquillity with which they may be enjoyed.

Investigations of this kind particularly recommend themselves to the attention of the ladies, as being congenial with that refinement of taste and sentiment, and that pure and placid consistency of conduct which so eminently distinguish and adorn those of this happy isle. To the honour of several ladies of eminence be it recorded, that they are proficients in the study of the various branches of natural history, and many others are making considerable progress in this pleasing science; than which, none can possess a greater tendency to sweeten the hours of solitude and anxiety. How infinitely superior to a rational mind is the gratification arising from such pursuits, to those, to which numbers unhappily sacrifice their health and beauty, and frequently the peace of mind of themselves and relatives, by a baneful attachment to the gaming table; and that not owing to intellectual incapacity, but merely from not possessing fortitude sufficient to prefer the improvement of their minds to amusements, for which no better plea can possibly be urged, than that of their being sanctioned by the idol, Fashion.

Actuated by no other motives, than the sincerest respect I entertain for my fair countrywomen, and anxiety for their real welfare, I have presumed thus freely to deliver my sentiments; with greater confidence in the merits of the cause I plead, and reliance on their prudent discrimination, than on the persuasive eloquence of the advocate, I am willing to flatter myself that these remarks may not be entirely ineffectual; at least in warning those who have happily as yet escaped so dangerous a gulf.

Again, how many of my own sex, divested of a taste for rational enjoyments, groan under the oppressive load of listlessness and dissatisfaction; for, independent of the more serious and requisite duties of our respective callings, we require amusements to refresh us in our vacant moments, which if not devoted to some laudable pursuit, will necessarily, like those of too many of our young men of fortune, be sauntered away, or consumed in senseless and illicit delights, eventually productive of infallible ruin to both body and mind; viewed in this light, it may indeed be said, that the situation of men of opulence is of all stations the least to be envied. I cannot, therefore, but earnestly recommend to those entrusted with that important charge, the education of youth, to enforce both by precept and example, their employment of that time which is not engaged in necessary avocations, to some purpose, that, whilst it amuses, may likewise instruct and improve their understandings. These measures are more peculiarly important in times like the present, when idleness, dissipation, and infidelity are with gigantic strides endeavouring to encompass mankind with chains of slavery of all others the most dreadful and pernicious.

I shall close these observations in the elegant language of an admired writer.

“A man that has formed a habit of turning every new object to his entertainment, finds in the productions of nature an inexhaustible stock of materials upon which he can employ himself, without any temptations to envy or malevolence; faults, perhaps, seldom totally avoided by those whose judgment is much exercised upon the works of art. He has always a certain prospect of discovering new reasons for adoring the sovereign Author of the universe, and probable hopes of making some discovery of benefit to others, or profit to himself. There is no doubt but many vegetables and animals have qualities that might be of great use, to the knowledge of which there is not required much force of penetration or fatigue of study, but only frequent experiments and close attention. What is said by the chemists of their darling mercury, is, perhaps, true of every body through the whole creation, that, if a thousand lives should be spent upon it, all its properties would not be found out.

“Mankind must necessarily be diversified by various tastes, since life affords and requires such multitudes of employments, and a nation of naturalists is neither to be hoped or desired; but it is surely not improper to point out a fresh amusement to those who languish in health, and repine in plenty, for want of some source of diversion that may be less easily exhausted, and to inform the multitudes of both sexes, who are burthened with every new day, that there are many shews which they have not seen. He that enlarges his curiosity after the works of nature, demonstrably multiplies the inlets to happiness.”[157]

[157] Johnson.

The characters by which the several classes of insects are distinguished, have been already explained in pages 218 and 219; their transformations have likewise been fully described; I shall now proceed to enumerate the best methods of obtaining them in their different states. Justice to the merits of two eminent naturalists[158] obliges me to mention, that to them I am indebted for a considerable part of these instructions.

[158] Lettsom’s Naturalist’s Companion; Curtis’s Instructions for Collecting and Preserving Insects. Both these tracts are now become very scarce.

Of all the different classes or orders of insects, that called LEPIDOPTERA is not only one of the most numerous, but the most beautiful, with respect to the variety as well as richness of their colours; and, as from the peculiar delicacy of their structure, they require greater care to be used in catching, as well as in preserving them, it will be proper first to speak of, and be more particular in the directions concerning them.

THE METHOD OF PROCURING MOTHS AND BUTTERFLIES.

There are two methods of collecting insects of this kind; first, by breeding; secondly, by catching them in their fly state: of these, the former is by much the preferable mode; as, besides the pleasure which arises from observing the gradual progress of the insects from their egg or caterpillar to their perfect or fly state, they may be killed before they have sustained the smallest injury in the farina or meal of their wings by flying.

The difficulty likewise in procuring the most beautiful and valuable insects of this class in their fly state, renders this method by far the most eligible. Most of the sphinges of LinnÆus, or, as they are usually called, hawk-moths, are but seldom met with in their fly state, and when seen on the wing, generally elude the swiftest pursuit; but in their caterpillar state they are frequently found, and easily taken. Thus the caterpillar of the sphinx atropos or jasmine hawk-moth, the largest and most beautiful species of moth this country produces,[159] is often found feeding on the jasmine and potatoe, and sometimes on green elder; the sphinx elpenor or elephant hawk-moth, on the Galium palustre or white ladies-bed-straw; the sphinx ocellata or eyed hawk-moth, on the willow and apple-trees; sphinx tiliÆ or lime hawk-moth, on the lime-tree; sphinx lagustri or privet hawk-moth, on the privet; phalÆna pavonia or emperor-moth, on the briar, black-thorn, willow, &c. and so of a great number of others.

[159] Desirous as every collector must be of obtaining these moths, it is certain there are many persons still existing, who would consider it as a great calamity were one of them to fly into, or even approach their habitation; and so far from affording the pretty fugitive an asylum, would experience the highest satisfaction at his speedy departure. The reason, if it be not a prostitution of the term, is, that as the plumage on the back of this moth exhibits somewhat of the resemblance of a death’s head, these intelligent prognosticators (naturalists they cannot be called) are fully convinced that this harmless insect must be the harbinger of mortality, and that its appearance infallibly portends speedy death to some one of the family! Indeed, to weak minds, especially if previously debilitated by sickness, such an idea, if permitted to prey upon their spirits, may be productive of fatal consequences, and thus stamp a credit on the prophetic abilities of those sagacious observers of the mysteries of nature. To medical men, who are daily witnesses of the wonderful influence which the mind possesses over the body in a diseased state, such events do not appear at all surprizing.

THE METHOD OF COLLECTING MOTHS, &C. IN THEIR CATERPILLAR STATE.

Independent of the method of collecting caterpillars by an attentive examination of the leaves, and other parts of plants, at those times of the year when they are in full verdure, there is another, viz. by beating the boughs of trees, particularly the taller ones, with long poles, having previously spread a large sheet underneath to receive them as they drop from the trees. By these means many very valuable caterpillars are frequently obtained, which could not otherwise be procured without considerable difficulty. Caterpillars should be handled as little as possible, particularly those with smooth skins; the more hairy ones in general sustain less injury by it. To convey them home with safety, the collector should be provided with a chip box in his pocket; and it would be proper to have it partly filled with fresh leaves.

THE METHOD OF REARING OR BREEDING THEM.

Having procured the caterpillars, our next endeavour must be to rear them. For this purpose; it will be indispensably necessary to afford them an ample supply of the plant on which they are found feeding, and to renew their food as often as the decay of that first procured for them may render it expedient. Insects in this state usually feed voraciously; the caterpillar of the papilio brassica has been known to consume in one day twice its own weight of food. Although many of them live on a variety of food, the greatest part are attached to some particular kind; deprived of which, some species would form objects less beautiful when arrived at their perfect state, and others infallibly perish.

As to many it may prove very inconvenient to supply the caterpillars with fresh food daily, to avoid this trouble, several sprigs of the tree or plant may be put into a wide-mouthed glass filled with water, and the caterpillars placed on them. Most plants may in this manner be preserved fresh for three or four days. The glass, together with the caterpillars and their food, is to be placed in the breeding box represented in the figure annexed, a, shews an opening in the front covered with gauze; b, the door on the side; c, a ring for conveniency of carriage; and a constant supply of fresh food is to be given them, as soon as the former appears in the least withered. The breeding boxes should never be exposed to the scorching rays of the sun, but placed in a cool and shady situation; nor should they contain more than one kind of caterpillar, as some species devour others.

Breeding box

When arrived at their full growth, the caterpillars leave off eating, and soon after, change into the chrysalis or pupa form; previous to which, butterflies spin a little web, just sufficient to suspend themselves by: many of the moths, like the silk-worm, spin a large web, in which they inwrap themselves; and a great number penetrate into the earth, where they spin themselves cases, or change without any spinning, as do most of the sphinges or hawk-moths. It will therefore be necessary to cover the bottom of the box with fine mould to the depth of four or five inches, and keep it constantly moist.

It frequently happens that caterpillars are what the aurelians call stung, that is, have the eggs of the ichneumon-fly deposited in them, of which operation a full account has been given in pages 295-298. Caterpillars, previous to their going into the chrysalis state, generally lose the brilliancy of their colours, and many of them rove about for some time.

After remaining in their chrysalis state till near the time of their coming forth, such as are inclosed in a hard case or spinning, as the phalÆna vinula, puss moth; phalÆna quercus, great egger moth, &c. are to be carefully freed from it; as the aperture which the insect naturally makes is often too narrow for it to pass through without sustaining considerable injury in its plumage. The opening will be best made, by cutting off the larger extremity of the case, taking especial care not to wound the inclosed pupa or chrysalis.

The learned Dr. Bellardi, Foreign Member of the Linnean Society, &c. a few years since discovered a new method of feeding silk-worms, when they are hatched before the mulberry-trees have produced leaves, or when the tender branches are destroyed by frost: how far this practice may be successfully applied in other instances, seems as yet undetermined; though from some recent experiments, it appears possible that caterpillars may be thus fed in backward seasons. This method consists in giving the caterpillar-the dried leaves of their accustomed food reduced to powder, and gently moistened with water; a thin coating of which must be placed round the young worms, who will immediately begin to feed upon it. The Doctor informs us that the caterpillars of the silk-worm prefer it to any other food, and devour it with the utmost avidity. The leaves should be gathered towards the close of the autumn, before the frost commences, in dry weather, and when the heat is greatest; they must be dried in the sun by spreading them upon large cloths, and after being reduced into powder, laid up in a dry place. Donovan says,[160] that the experiment has been tried with several caterpillars which were nearly full fed on the leaves of thorns and oaks thus prepared, and that they were observed to eat it when no other food was given, but he cannot determine how far they may thrive if fed on that aliment only.

[160] Treatise on the Management of Insects.

THE METHOD OF COLLECTING THEM IN THEIR CHRYSALIS STATE.

Butterflies and moths may often be found in chrysalis under the projection of garden walls, pales, out-houses, in summer-houses, &c. and frequently affixed to the food on which the caterpillar fed. A great variety of moths in the pupa state may with more certainty be found, during the winter months, by digging under the trees on which they feed, particularly under the oak, willow, lime, and elm trees. When they are procured in this manner, they should be placed as soon as convenient in the breeding box before described, and kept covered with moist earth till the ensuing spring; when, as soon as the weather is mild, they may be dug up and placed somewhat nearer the surface of the mould, and in that manner left to come out of themselves. Should the collector not succeed in procuring chrysalides by this method, it will frequently happen that his labour will be amply recompensed by obtaining a variety of beetles.

THE METHOD OF COLLECTING THEM IN THEIR FLY OR PERFECT STATE.

Net

The extreme delicacy of the wings of moths and butterflies will not admit of their being caught without injury, but in nets made of the finest materials. It will be necessary, therefore, that the collector should provide himself with a net properly adapted to this purpose: the one here represented has, after long experience, been found to answer extremely well. Fig. A shews the net expanded ready for use; a exhibits the part made of fine Scotch gauze, which should be previously dyed green; b b, the sticks; these should be of some light wood. To render them compact and convenient for carriage, they are made to take to pieces somewhat in the manner of fishing-rods, and connected by means of screws or hollow brass ferrils fixed to the end of each: there are three of them for each side of the net. Fig. B shews one of the sticks; a, the brass ferril; b, the end of the next stick, which fixes tight into it; to the upper end of the sticks, at c, is joined in like manner a piece of cane bent to a proper shape. Instead of three pieces of wood, as here described, the other stick may consist of one entire piece, and be used as a walking-stick. The gauze must be edged with two pieces of binding sewed together, to receive the sticks when joined; and, as the sticks are taper, so must be the cavity to receive them. At the lower part the gauze is to be turned up about six inches, so as to form a bag, Fig. A, c. At the extremity of the gauze, next the handles, two pieces of tape must be fixed on each side, d d, of sufficient length to pass through a hole bored in the stick, and then be tied in a loop, so as to prevent the gauze from sliding on the sticks. At the upper part of the net where the canes meet, e, the cavity should be closed by a few stitches, that the sticks may shut even together. The net may be about a yard in width when expanded, and the length of it a yard and an half: the size, however, may be varied at pleasure. The gauze should be deprived of its glazing by being soaked for a short time in warm water; but, if dyed green, which is usually the case, this will be unnecessary. The handles are to be held one in each hand, when the net is used.[161]

[161] Though this net be principally intended for catching moths and butterflies on the wing, it maybe usefully applied to another purpose: if one person expand the net under a bush or branch intended for examination, and another shake the bush, or beat it well with a stick, numbers of caterpillars, as well as some of the minuter kinds of coleopterous, and other insects, will fall into the net. By these means moths are likewise often taken, as they remain in a torpid state during the day, sheltered in the bushes.

Forceps

Besides the gauze net for catching butterflies, &c., the collector should be provided with a pair of forceps, made of steel, about nine or ten inches in length, and of the shape represented in the figure;[162] the fans are to be covered with fine green gauze. This instrument will in many instances be found exceedingly commodious, as being of more general use; it is very portable, and possesses this advantage over the net, that the insect caught in it will be more confined, and consequently not so liable to injure its down. If the insect be met with on the trunk of a tree, paling, or any flat surface, it may be readily caught; if on a leaf, both may be enclosed in the forceps. Whilst in the forceps, it should be pressed with the thumb, or, if the creature be small, with the thumb-nail, sufficient to stupify, but not crush it.

[162] This figure shews the forceps in the proportions in which they have been generally made; I would, however, recommend the fans to be considerably larger, and the handles shorter. The form of the fans has commonly been either hexagonal, or, the worst of all, triangular; experience has taught me that the shape as here given is to be preferred, as being less liable to miss the insects, who are usually upon their guard, and frequently elude the vigilance of their pursuers. A front view of the fans is given, the better to shew their form; but it is obvious that they must be placed in a contrary direction, so as to flap on, not slide over, each other.

The next articles necessary to be provided, will be two or three oval chip boxes, cut sufficiently flat for the pocket, and lined at top and bottom with thin cork; and a cushion well stored with pins of various sizes.

The collector being now furnished with the necessary instruments, it will be proper to give him such instructions as may enable him to use them. With regard to the manner of using the net with expertness and success, this knowledge will be much better acquired by practice than by the most ample description. Harris, in his elegant work, The Aurelian, has been rather diffusive than clear on this subject. Having caught the butterfly or moth in the net, it will be necessary to proceed with caution, as on killing it properly its beauty in a great measure depends. It should not be laid hold of indiscriminately in any part; but by managing skilfully the net, its wings must, if possible, be brought into an erect position or close together; then press the under part of the thorax or breast between the thumb and the fore-finger sufficiently hard to kill the insect. By carefully attending to these directions, the wings will not be distorted or the plumage injured.

The net being now opened, the insect is to be laid hold of by one of its antennÆ or horns, and again placed between the thumb and fore-finger; in which situation it is to be held, while a pin proportioned to its size is stuck through the upper part of the thorax or back; it may then be affixed to the pocket-box by sticking the point of the pin into the cork lining. The larger kinds of these insects, especially moths and hawk-moths, which are far more tenacious of life than butterflies, will not expire so readily by this method, as by fixing them upon the bottom of a cork exactly fitted to the mouth of a bottle into which a little sulphur has been put; by gradually heating the bottle till an exhalation of the sulphur takes place, the insect usually dies without injuring its colour or plumage.

THE METHOD OF MANAGING THEM IN THEIR FLY STATE.

Though by the means just described these insects may be caught uninjured, some farther care is requisite in order to make them appear to advantage; this is called setting them, and is performed in the following manner. The insect being stuck through with a pin of a proper size, is to be placed before its wings are become stiff, on a piece of cork, having a smooth surface and covered with white paper. The body of the fly should not be made to touch the cork when the insect is affixed to it, but to stand up some little distance from it, as only the edges of both wings are intended to touch, not the wings to lie flat on the cork. The wings are then to be expanded, as in the figure, with a fine needle, or some sharp-pointed instrument. The instruments used in the operation for the eye called couching, being fixed to taper handles, are peculiarly commodious for this purpose.

Butterfly

The upper edges of the superior wings are to be placed in a line with the head of the insect, and they are to be kept in this situation by means of little braces, formed of card-paper and cut in the shape represented in the figure; a number of which should always be kept in readiness in a small box. These must be proportioned to the size of the wings, and fitted to their shape, by being more or less bent; by a proper attention to which, the spots, &c. on both wings are rendered conspicuous, and the beauties of the insect exhibited in full perfection. To acquire the method, however, of setting them well, requires considerable practice and some ingenuity. After remaining in this position four or five days, or till the insect is become thoroughly stiff, the braces may be taken off, and the insect removed into the store box. The shape of the store box is immaterial; it should, however, be flat, and may be made either of wood, or, which is preferable, of tin. The inside should be lined with thin cork and covered with paper, and some slips of cloth glued to its edges to make it shut closer, and thus exclude as much as possible insects and animalcula; a little camphor tied in a bit of rag, and pinned to a corner of the box, will be found very useful to prevent their depredations.

It is particularly to be observed, that there is a continual succession of insects as well as of plants; some appear with the early primrose, others accompany the late-flowering ivy: so that in this respect, the aurelian and entomologist may regulate their excursions by those of the botanist; the latter would in vain search for the ranunculus ficaria or pile-wort, in the month of July, and the former be equally disappointed in seeking for the papilio cardamines, orange-tip, in the month of August.

Some of these insects continue longer in their fly state, and their plumage is less injured by flying, than others; some continue for a few days only; others, several weeks. In general, moths and butterflies, unless they are caught the first day of their coming out of chrysalis, are of small value; hence arises the necessity of carefully watching those particulars, and of making frequent excursions in order to obtain them in the greatest perfection.

Butterflies are to be caught on the wing only when the sun shines warm. They inhabit a variety of places; the greatest number of them frequent woods, and may be taken in or near them, as the papilio iris, purple emperor; papilio hyperantus, ringlet; and most, if not all the fritillaries. Some delight in meadows, as the papilio jurtina, meadow brown; galathea, marbled white; C. album, comma; rhamni, brimstone: and others frequent gardens, as the brassicÆ and rapÆ, large and small garden white; others, again, clover fields, corn fields, heaths, lanes, &c. Many of those which frequent woods are taken with much greater facility in the morning, a few hours after sun-rise; at which time they are found feeding on the flowers that grow by the sides of the woods; afterwards, when the sun shines with greater strength, they fly high, and with such rapidity, as not to be taken but with the utmost difficulty.

Moths fly chiefly in the evening, a little after sun-set. Like butterflies, they inhabit a variety of places, and are to be met with in the greatest plenty near woods; they may also be taken in great numbers in the day-time by beating the hedges, &c. more particularly in the afternoon, as the least motion will then put them on the wing. They are likewise frequently met with in the day-time sticking to the bark of trees, on walls, and pales that surround gardens, &c. and may be thus caught in great perfection. Some few, like the butterflies, fly in the middle of the day, when the sun shines warm, over the flowers of honey-suckles, and other plants with tubular flowers. Insects of this species seldom sit to feed, but continue vibrating on the wing while they thrust their tongue or proboscis into the flower.

Geoffroy says that moths may be taken in great plenty by means of a candle or lanthorn carried into or near some wood, towards dark. Independent of the recommendation of authority so respectable, the well-known propensity that moths have to fly towards, and even into candles, has induced some collectors to adopt this method with success; many of the most valuable caterpillars have also been thus obtained.

THE METHODS OF COLLECTING INSECTS OF THE BEETLE KIND.

By these are meant all such, as are included in LinnÆus’s first order of insects, under the term COLEOPTERA; these have generally been called scarabÆi or beetles: some few of them have obtained distinct English names, as the chaffer, lady-bird, earwig, &c. and all have been divided by LinnÆus into genera and species.

The insects of this, as well as the preceding and following order, may be found in their caterpillar or grub state, in which they often prove extremely destructive to the roots of plants; and may in like manner be brought to their perfect or fly state, regard being had to their different manner of feeding. The time and care, however, required for this purpose, is probably more than can be spared by the generality of collectors; the curious entomologist, possessed of both leisure and abilities to engage in the pursuit, will be enabled to establish with certainty the different genera of insects. These insects are generally collected in their fly state: some creep and fly in the day-time when the sun shines warm; others, like the moth, fly in the evening and the night only.

Their habitations are exceedingly diversified: some are found in rotten and half decayed wood, and under the decayed bark of trees, as the lucanus cervus, flying stag, scarabÆus cylindricus, and many of the cerambyces; others, among the dung of various animals, particularly of horses, cows, and sheep, as the dermestes, leather-eater; hister, mimic beetle; scarabÆus fimetarius, &c. Many of them make holes under the dung three or four inches deep, it will therefore be necessary to have an iron spade to dig them out, when in search of this kind of insects; some reside in the bodies of animals that are become putrid, as the silpha vespillo, carrion beetle, hister, &c. also in moist bones that have been gnawed by dogs, or other animals, on flowers having a fetid smell, and on several kinds of fungous substances; others may be found in the morning about the bottoms of perpendicular rocks and sand-banks, as the curculio, weevil; and brachus, sand-beetle. Great numbers are found on the leaves and stalks of plants, as the scarabÆus melolantha, chaffer; coccinella, lady-bird; chrysomela, curculiones, &c. others delight more particularly in the flowers of plants, as the scarabÆus auratus: some reside altogether in woods, as many of the cerambyces; some are found swimming on the surface of standing waters, as the gyrinus natator; others in ditches, ponds, &c. as the dytisci; many may be caught in rivers, lakes, and standing pools, by means of a thread net with small meshes, in a round wire hoop fixed to the end of a long pole; some are discovered by the light which they emit, as the lampyris noctiluca, glow-worm; and vast quantities are found on dry banks, sand-banks, sand-pits, &c. particularly when the sun shines warm; numbers may be found in houses, dark cellars, damp pits, caves, and subterraneous passages, as the tenebrio, stinking beetle; or on umbelliferous flowers and in timber-yards. Multitudes live under stones, moss, rubbish, and creeks near the shores of lakes and rivers; these are found also in bogs, marshes, moist places, pits, and holes of the earth, on stems of trees, and in the evening they crawl plentifully along pathways after a shower of rain. Some may be discovered in the hollow stems of umbelliferous plants, as the forficula, earwig.

These insects, as soon as caught, may with a pin of a proper size be stuck through the body, close to the suture that runs down the middle of the back, and then placed in the pocket box, taking care that they do not injure one another from being placed too close together. Or, if the collector be disposed to procure this class of insects, he will find it very convenient, and certainly much less cruel, to carry a number of small pill-boxes in his pocket, in which the insects may be readily secured and kept till he return home, without their suffering any pain; they are then to be immersed in boiling water, that being a most expeditious mode of killing them, and far preferable to their immersion in spirits, in which many of them will live a considerable time;[163] they may afterwards be stuck through in the manner above-mentioned, being careful to make the pin pass a sufficient length through the body of the insect, and then placed on a piece of smooth cork. When they have remained in this situation two, three, or four days, or longer, according to their size, the legs, antennÆ, &c. are to be extended with a pair of fine nippers or tweezers, and placed in a natural position; in which they will, if proper care be taken of them, always remain: particular caution should, however, be used not to place them in the store box or cabinet till perfectly dry, as otherwise they will be liable to be infested with animalcula, by which they will soon be destroyed.

[163] “The best method is to inclose them in a chip box, and kill them by exposing the box to the heat of a fire; this treatment will rather absorb than add to the superfluous juices of the insect, and greatly contribute to its preservation.” Donovan.

THE METHOD OF COLLECTING INSECTS CALLED HEMIPTERA.

The genera contained in this order of insects are principally these: viz. blatta, the cockroach; mantis, camel cricket; gryllus, locust, grasshopper, cricket; cicada, flea locust; cimex or bug.

The first of these, the cockroach, has been imported from warmer climates, where these insects are extremely numerous, and far more troublesome.[164] They are found in the greatest plenty here in bakehouses, particularly in the night, their usual time of feeding; they likewise abound in corn-mills, in ships, and in all places where meal is deposited.

[164] In the island of Senegal they do incredible mischief; they gnaw linen, sheets, wood, paper, books, and, in short, whatever comes in their way; they attack even the aloes, the bitterness of which keeps off all other insects. Adanson’s Voyage, p. 296.

All those of the next genus, mantis, are foreign; some of them are extremely remarkable and curious, and from their particular shape, as well as their colour, have been called walking leaves; they are found in meadows, on grass, and on the leaves of plants and trees. The grylli mostly reside in meadows and fields among the herbage; however formidable the mischief occasioned by the blattÆ may appear, it is trivial when compared with the ravages of the gryllus migratorius or locust.[165] One species of this genus, the gryllus domesticus, resides in houses, particularly where there are ovens, and entertains the inhabitants with the chirping sound it emits. Most of the fulgorÆ or lanthorn-flies are discoverable by the light which proceeds from them; these, like the mantÆ, are foreign, and many of them equally curious. The cicadÆ are found on trees and plants; the notonectÆ and nepÆ frequent rivers, lakes, and standing waters. There is scarce a person who has resided any time in a very populous place, but knows where to find one species of the next genus or cimex, viz. that distinguished by the name of cimex lectularius or bed bug.[166]

These insects may be killed either with boiling water or a few drops of the etherial oil or spirit of turpentine. They are all of them to be stuck through the thorax or back, betwixt the shoulders; the wings of the grylli and some of the others are to be expanded, and kept so by the little braces, and their legs, antennÆ, &c. placed in a natural situation.

THE METHOD OF COLLECTING INSECTS CALLED NEUROPTERA.

Those of this class, the fourth order of LinnÆus, are chiefly aquatic, residing in the waters as caterpillars, and flying about them in their perfect state. The principal genera are, the libellula, dragon-fly; ephemera, may-fly; phryganea, spring-fly; hemerobius, and panorpa. The libellulÆ are considered by the generality of people as containing in them something venomous; and from hence, in addition to the epithet, alone sufficiently tremendous, of dragon-fly, have obtained the several names of adder-spear, adder-bolt, horse-stinger, &c. It must be confessed, that their shape, manner of flight, &c. are such as might readily raise such an idea in the minds of the multitude, who but too often form their decisions from appearances only; but naturalists are unaccustomed to such hasty determinations, and they can safely advise the collector not to be misled by terrific words, nor intimidated from catching them, they being perfectly harmless, indeed more so than the gnats which constitute a part of their food. The butterfly net already described will be very convenient for catching insects of this order, particularly the libellulÆ.

They are all of them easily killed, either by pressure of the thorax, or with spirit of turpentine, spirit of wine, or the fumes of sulphur; the same means are to be used in setting them as in the hemiptera.

THE METHOD OF COLLECTING INSECTS CALLED HYMENOPTERA.

The remarks which have just been made on the libellulÆ do not apply to insects of this order, the major part of them being armed with stings; some of which are, however, harmless, though others are venomous. The principal genera are, the tenthredo, saw-fly; ichneumon, ichneumon-fly; sphex, ichneumon-wasp; vespa, wasp, hornet; apis, bee; formica, ant; sirex, and chrysis. The tenthredines are found on trees and flowers in their caterpillar state; they feed on the leaves of plants. The ichneumons are found in the same manner; in their caterpillar state, they live chiefly in the bodies of other insects, particularly in the caterpillars of the moths and butterflies, as has been already mentioned. The sphex resides principally in sand-banks, it is also caught on flowers, shrubs and fruits, and about hedges; this insect catches and kills others, which it buries in the sand, having previously deposited its eggs in them. Wasps, bees, and ants, are found on flowers and fruits, and almost on every sweet substance. The chrysis, of which many species are exceeding beautiful, is found flying about old walls, posts, sand-banks, &c. in which it builds its nest. Wasps and bees are the only winged insects that have any great degree of poison in them, they should therefore be taken with the forceps before described, and handled cautiously on account of their stings, which are dangerous. Some, as the mytilla, naked bee, have stings, but no poison, and are to be found on the flowers of umbelliferous plants, when the sun shines hot in the middle of the day; at which time others, as the chrysis, &c. are also to be met with: when caught, a pin is to be stuck through them whilst in the net. It is very difficult to kill these insects without injuring them in some respect; boiling water hurts their wings, and the fine hairs with which many of them are covered; spirits of wine or turpentine prove immediately fatal to some, whilst others are scarce affected by them; and letting them remain transfixed till they are dead, will probably be thought too cruel; it is said, that the best method hitherto practised, is to stick them through with a needle dipped in aqua fortis; the sphinges, and other large moths, are likewise killed in the same manner with the least injury: the reader will adopt either of these methods, or any other he may deem expedient. When dead, their wings are to be expanded, and kept in as natural a position as possible.

THE METHOD OF COLLECTING INSECTS CALLED DIPTERA.

This order contains various kinds of flies and gnats; the former abound in almost every place, but they are found more particularly on all kinds of plants and flowers, especially on the umbelliferous ones, about the tops of trees, little hills, &c. Some of them fly about cattle of various kind, in the skins of which they deposit their eggs, as the oestrus bovis, &c. These insects are easily killed by a few drops of spirit of turpentine: their wings are to be expanded so that their bodies may become apparent; a little brace should be placed underneath them, to prevent their bodies being too much incurvated in drying, which they are very apt to be. Many of these are most easily taken when they begin to feed; for, in the middle of the day they are so quick and active, that it is almost impossible to catch them.

With regard to the last order of insects, distinguished by the term APTERA, they are so common, and the places they inhabit so generally known, that any information on the means of collecting them must be superfluous. Under this class are included spiders, scorpions, centipes, crabs, lobsters, &c. &c. Most of these require to be preserved in some kind of spirit; spirit of wine, proof spirit, or geneva, are to be preferred, on account of their pellucidness; though rum or brandy may, if no other spirit be at hand, answer the purpose of preserving, though not that of exhibiting them with equal advantage.

Those of the genus cancer, after being well dried or carefully baked, may be conveniently preserved in store boxes, or properly arranged in a cabinet collection. The smaller kinds of insects in general, as well as those of the order aptera, are best disposed of between talcs in sliders; such, for instance, as the termes pulsatorium,[167] the several podurÆ, pediculi, pulices, acari, &c.

As the collector will have frequent occasion for the use of cork, both to line his boxes with, and to set his insects on, the following directions how to prepare it for these purposes will be found useful.

He may procure the cork in large pieces at any of the cork-cutters; these must be cut into smaller ones, and, in order to make the cork flat, it is to be held before the fire till the heat thoroughly penetrate it; the cork is then to be immediately placed betwixt two smooth boards, and a very heavy weight laid on it; in which situation it must remain till cold. Thus flattened, it is to be rasped on both sides, with such a rasp as is used by the bakers; afterwards, with a finer one; and, lastly, with a pumice-stone; by which it will be rendered perfectly smooth. If the cork be thick, and the purpose of it to line boxes, it may be sawed through the middle, and rasped as before directed.

As, without a due attention to the state of the atmosphere, the collector may make many fruitless excursions, it will be proper to point out to him the kind of weather best adapted for the purpose of ensuring success.

If the day prove fine, and the sun emit much warmth, insects are very brisk and lively; if, on the contrary, the weather should be cold or windy, it will be in vain to attempt catching them on the wing, as at such times insects in general take shelter within the herbage, and instead of flying upwards, which is usually the case when disturbed, they dart into the thickest underwood; or should they rise above the bushes, they are impetuously hurled by the current of the wind far beyond the reach of the net; and, were it otherwise, the collector would find the apparatus unmanageable. Harris says the garden white is as good a token for fine weather as may be; when these flies are out in the morning, it generally prognosticates a fine day.

At day-break many insects are on the wing; and most kinds are observed in hot weather to come forth after rain, to enjoy the humidity of the air; this is the best time for collecting, as their wings are less subject to stiffen before they can be set.

The males of some, if not of every species of moths, and possibly of other insects, by a faculty to us incomprehensible, are able to discover the females, not only at a great distance, but in the most recluse situations. This circumstance has induced some collectors to endeavour to entrap such of the males as are not easily procured by any of the common methods: they enclose the female in a breeding box, and place it as near the usual haunts of the species as convenient; the males will generally be observed soon after fluttering on the box, and endeavouring to gain admission to the females. This artifice has been repeatedly practised with success on the fox and egger moths.

Every species has its distinct time for appearance, which is seldom accelerated or retarded a few days, unless by the unusual mildness or inclemency of the season. If a brood of insects be discovered at a certain season of the year, a brood of the same species will be found precisely at, or near the same period of the year following, except by accident they should have been destroyed. Notwithstanding the observation holds good in general, it is a fact that some insects are very variable in this respect; for instance, the sphinx convolvuli, unicorn hawk-moth, and the papilio hyale, clouded-yellow butterfly, were common about London in the year 1781, but have been very scarce since that time, especially the former; the papilio cardui, painted lady, sometimes disappears for several years. The papilio antiopa, grand surprize or Camberwell beauty, was first discovered in the year 1748, in Cold-arbour lane, Camberwell, and has occasionally disappeared for some years; a few seasons since several were taken in different parts of the kingdom; subsequent to which period, it is not known that even one specimen has been seen. It has been repeatedly ascertained, that, as with plants, so it is with insects, some kinds are confined to one particular spot of ground, and are not to be found in any other part of the same wood; consequently, the haunts being once discovered, the collector may be encouraged to expect meeting with some of the same species for several seasons successively.

Minute moths are to be found in winter as well as summer. It would be scarcely credible, did not experience prove, that when the frost is so intense, as to entirely subvert the appearance and almost annihilate the existence of vegetable productions, within its influence myriads of these delicately-formed creatures brave the inclement season, and exist securely within those habitations which they have the address to construct. A skilful entomologist may at this season in a few hours collect a number of the coleoptera, hemiptera, and lepidoptera orders; several of which are not to be obtained, but in very cold weather.

These insects usually shelter themselves among the moss and other extraneous matters growing on the trunks or branches of trees, or beneath the rotten bark; these substances should be shut close in a box or tin canister, to prevent the escape of those insects that may be revived by the warmth. To examine them, Donovan recommends spreading a sheet of writing paper on a table, and placing a lamp or candle, with a shade of transparent or oiled paper before you, so as to weaken the glare; separate the moss, and shake it loosely in your hand, and you will perceive many insects fall down on the paper. If they be too minute to admit of a pin being thrust through the thorax, they may be fastened with gum-water to small slips of paper.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FITTING UP A CABINET.

To those who delight in subjects of natural history, a good cabinet of insects is esteemed a valuable acquisition: if it be well constructed, and the several objects arranged with judgment, it certainly exhibits one of the most beautiful and admirable assemblages of objects in nature. Such, however, who are disposed to make a collection sufficiently extensive to form a complete one, will find it necessary to devote a great deal of time to the purpose, as well as to be endued with a considerable share of perseverance and ingenuity; those who are possessed of affluence will find it far less difficult to acquire one. The cabinet, to appear with that elegance which the subject deserves, should be of mahogany, well seasoned, and made by a good workman in such a manner that all the joints may fit with the greatest nicety; the form and size may be according to fancy, or the extent of the collection intended to be made.

To form a cabinet sufficiently capacious to receive specimens of all the English insects hitherto discovered, those excepted which, as before observed, are better preserved in spirits or between sliders, I would recommend one on the following plan:

The height may be about three feet four inches, the width two feet four inches, and the depth one foot four inches, inclosed with folding doors, and provided with a good lock. The inside to be partitioned down the middle, so as to admit of a range of twelve square drawers on each side; under these, two or three drawers may be fitted extending the whole width, to admit the larger kinds of insects, such as the sphinges, cancri, &c. the sides and backs of all these drawers should be of cedar, and the fronts mahogany, with a brass ring or button to each. The cork with which their bottoms are lined, must be chosen as free from cracks as possible, and, after being washed several times with a solution of corrosive sublimate in spirit of wine, to destroy the animalcula, glued on to prevent its warping. The whole surface must be made perfectly smooth and level, and this, as well as the sides, covered with imperial paper carefully pasted on, and afterwards moistened with alum-water. The paper should be exactly ruled into squares proportioned to the size of the insects they are intended to contain; and the names of each order and genus affixed according to the system of LinnÆus. By way of embellishment, the edges may be lined all round the drawers with narrow slips of some kind of ornamental paper. The fore-part of each drawer should have a thin partition to admit of a proper quantity of camphor, with a number of small air-holes for the more ready diffusion of its effluvia to the insects contained in the drawer: the tops of these partitions must be closed with thin slips of wood laid on them and fitted with nicety, but not glued. To prevent the admission of dust and air, and exhibit the contents to advantage, the top of each drawer must be glazed with the finest glass, fitted into a frame of the same size as the drawer, made either to slide in a groove, or let in on a rabbet.

Having proceeded thus far, it will be adviseable to let the cabinet be thoroughly aired, before any insects are deposited in it, and to be particularly careful that all the insects so deposited be as free as possible from moisture; if the cabinet be then constantly kept in a dry situation, the camphor occasionally renewed, and the air excluded, there is every reason to expect that the several insects may be for a long time preserved in a state of perfection. If, notwithstanding all these precautions, little dusty particles should appear on any of the insects, which is a certain sign of the presence of animalcula, they should be gently wiped with a hair pencil dipped in spirit of wine, or carefully removed into a chip box and placed on the side of a Bath stove for a short time; by these means, if early attended to, they will be sufficiently baked to prevent future injury. A strict adherence to the above particulars, enabled me to preserve the contents of the cabinet formerly in my possession, now the property of Sir John St. Aubyn, Bart. F. R. & L. S. for several years in the most perfect condition, though containing considerably above 2000 articles. Within the same space of time, to my certain knowledge, several valuable collections have been either totally destroyed, or very materially injured; as when once the depredations commence, the destruction proceeds with rapidity, if not speedily prevented.

Those who are desirous of enriching their collection with the productions of other climes, will require a cabinet much more extensive, or, as the subject may be said to be inexhaustible, may devote several to exotic insects only. The collection made by Mr. Drury being, I believe, the most superb which has ever appeared in this kingdom, it may prove agreeable to many of my readers to give them a concise account of it. It is contained in five large cabinets, and consists of two divisions; first, those found in this country, and, secondly, those procured from various quarters of the globe. The English collection contains 2324 different insects, and the foreign one 5066; total, 7380: the latter comprises of coleoptera, 1716; hemiptera, 676; lepidoptera, 1739; neuroptera, 122; hymenoptera, 472; diptera, 312; aptera, 29. The whole of this magnificent collection is regularly arranged, according to the Linnean system, in 144 drawers. Some of the most beautiful objects in this collection are exhibited and fully described in a work published by Mr. Drury, in three vols. quarto, containing on 150 plates about 700 elegantly coloured specimens.

The climate of Asia is particularly favourable to the production of numerous articles in the several branches of natural history unknown to, or not natives of Europe; especially those of the lepidoptera order of insects, numbers of which are remarkably large, and exhibit a variety of the most beautiful colours. This induces gentlemen, previous to their departure for India, to furnish themselves with cabinets at a considerable expense, anticipating the satisfaction they shall enjoy during their residence there, in arranging and depositing therein the several articles they purpose collecting, and entertaining their friends with a view of them. Besides this, they receive commissions from their European friends to collect and remit to them as many as they can, neither party conceiving that this would be attended with any considerable degree of trouble or inconvenience. It may, therefore, not be amiss to introduce here what the Rev. Mr. John, one of the Danish missionaries at Tranquebar, says on the subject.[168] “The rainy season is in the highest degree injurious to collections in every part of natural history, shells and minerals excepted. To obtain a permanent cabinet, if not impossible, is at least very difficult and expensive. Insects, unless carefully preserved in close cases, well secured from the accession of the smallest particle of air, are soon covered with mouldiness; nor are dried fish, stuffed birds, skins of animals, plants, &c. exempted from this inconvenience; if not frequently exposed to the rays of the sun or dried in ovens, myriads of animalcula in a short time form a settlement and inevitably destroy them. All the cabinets received from Europe, lined in the accustomed manner with cork or deal, are here on this account totally useless, besides their being soon disjointed by the heat of the climate. Sail cloth, well pitched and extended on frames, is far better calculated to answer the purpose; a number of these may be placed one above another, at a convenient distance, and the whole supported on light feet: to render them more pleasant to the eye, the linen may be covered as most agreeable either with white or coloured paper. Even the echini, and the smaller marine plants, attract so much dampness as to lose their colours and spiculÆ, and fall to pieces, especially if they have not for some time been previously soaked in fresh water, in order to deprive them of their saline particles. Stuffed birds, &c. lose their feathers or hair, and the more soft and tender parts fall off. Consequently, if no ships go from hence during the month of October, but are detained till February, the major part of what I have collected for such of my friends in Europe who are admirers of the wonderful works of the Creator, will be lost to myself and them, besides subjecting me to the imputation of a want of attention and gratitude for favours previously received, than which nothing can be farther from my heart.”

The above remarks, it is hoped, will afford some useful hints to gentlemen intending to visit India; as well as plead in justification of those who, unacquainted with the difficulty of preserving collections in so warm a climate, have previous to their departure precipitately made promises to their friends, which for want of being realized, have too frequently exposed them to unmerited censure.

A
COPIOUS LIST
OF
MICROSCOPIC OBJECTS.

In the introductory part to our author’s list of objects in Chap. X. he very justly observes, that from the nature of the subject the list must be very imperfect, &c. it is not with the vain idea of rendering that complete which he has left imperfect, and which indeed must ever remain so, that the following general list is introduced; but principally with the view of still farther assisting the tyro, and pointing out a variety of articles, that might not otherwise so readily occur to him. In most instances, I have mentioned where the objects may be sought for with a probability of success; to have described them would have exceeded my limits. The specimen here given, will convince the reader, that it would be no very difficult task, so to enlarge this list, as to constitute a volume; but, it is presumed, that in its present state it will be found sufficiently extensive, and of considerable utility. To those who are already conversant with the subject, it may prove acceptable as a kind of index to assist their memories; and to such as may be disposed to form a cabinet, it will serve the purposes of directing them in their choice of the principal objects, and exhibiting some idea of the manner in which they are to be arranged.

I. ANIMALS, AND THEIR PARTS.

THE HUMAN SPECIES, QUADRUPEDS, &C.

• The human hair
• Horse hair
• Hog’s bristles
• Mouse hair
• Smellers of cats, tygers, &c.
• Cuticle, or scarf skin of the human body
• The skin itself
• Membrana adiposa
• Muscular fibres
• Nerves
• Arteries and veins
• Intestines or guts
• Lacteals
• Lympha ducts
• Lungs
• Liver
• Pancreas, &c.
• Brain
• Eye, its coats, humours, &c.
• Nose, its ossa spongiosa, &c.
• Ear, its hair, wax, tympanum, &c.
• Tongue, its fibres, nervous papillÆ, &c.
• Blood, its globules, circulation, &c.
• Nails and hoofs in thin slices
• Bones, &c. &c.

OBJECTS PECULIAR TO BIRDS.

• Feathers and their plumage
• Pith of ditto cut transversely
• Red combs and gills of cocks
• Scaly skin of the legs
• Web or membrane of waterfowl
• Fleshy fibres, particularly the gizzard
• Eggs, their beautiful teints
• Coloured iris of the eye in some, &c.
• The breast bones and scapulÆ of small birds; to which may be added,
• The membranaceous wings of the bat

OBJECTS PECULIAR TO FISHES.

Many of these exhibit most beautiful objects, from the elegant variety of the colours and teints of their skins and scales

• Their spines
• Fins
• Fleshy fibres
• Sperm or hard roe
• Teeth
• Brain
• Eye, its iris
• Lungs and other viscera
• Gills
• Circulation of the blood in the fins and tails of small fishes
• Shells of most kind of shell-fish
• FimbriÆ or fringed extremities of shells, &c.

INSECTS.

1. Coleoptera.

• The entire insect if not too large
• The head
• AntennÆ
• Wings
• Elytra
• Legs, &c.
• ScarabÆus auratus, rose-chaffer; on flowers
• Dermestes domesticus, the death-watch of Geoffroy
• Dermestes pulicaris, flea beetle; on flowers
• Ptinus pectinicornis; in old trunks of willows
• Ptinus fur; very destructive in cabinets
• Ptinus fatidicus (Shaw) death-watch, see page 688.
• Gyrinus natator, water-flea
• Byrrhus scrophularia; on flowers
• Silpha pustulata; on trees
• Silpha aquatica
• Silpha pulicaria; frequently running on flowers
• Cassida viridis on verticillated plants and thistles
• Cassida nebulosa; on thistles
• Cassida nobilis
• Coccinella, 2 punctata; on alder and other trees
• Coccinella, 5 punct. in gardens
• Coccinella, 7 punct. lady-cow or lady-bird
• Coccinella, 9 punct. on trees
• Coccinella, 14 punct.
• Coccinella, 16 punct.
• Coccinella, 22 punct.
• Coccinella, 14 guttata; in woods
• Coccinella, 2 pustulata; on trees and flowers
• Chrysomela tanaceti; on tansy
• Chrysomela alni; on common alder
• Chrysomela betulÆ; on birch trees
• Chrysomela polygoni; on grass
• Chrysomela polita; on willows
• Chrysomela populi; on poplar trees
• Chrysomela sanguinolenta; in woods
• Chrysomela hyoscyami; on henbane
• Chrysomela exsoleta; in gardens

• Chrysomela 12 punctata;
  Chrysomela asparagi;

  } on asparagus

• Curculio cyaneus; on willows
• Curculio cerasi; on black cherry trees
• Curculio pruni; on cherry trees
• Curculio acridulus; on plants of the genus tetradynamia
• Curculio granarius, weevil
• Curculio dorsalis; on the lesser celandine
• Curculio pini; on Scotch fir
• Curculio lapathi; on docks, particularly water dock
• Curculio scaber; on nettles
• Curculio quercus; on leaves of oak
• Curculio viscariÆ; on lychnis viscaria
• Curculio pericarpius; on fig-wort
• Curculio betulÆ; on birch and alder
• Curculio beccabungÆ; on veronica beccabunga
• Curculio alni; on leaves of alder
• Curculio fagi; on beech trees
• Curculio pomorum; on apple trees
• Curculio nucum; in hazel nuts
• Curculio scrophulariÆ; on fig-wort
• Curculio tortrix; in the twisted leaves of poplars
• Curculio pyri; on pear trees
• Curculio argentatus; in gardens
• Cerambyx moschatus;[169] on willows, roses, &c.
• Lampyris noctiluca; glowworm
• Cantharis Ænea; on flowers
• Elater castaneus; on the bark of trees in woods
• Elater sanguineus; on the bark of trees

• Cicindela riparia;
  Cicindela aquatica;

  } on wet sandy ground

• Dytiscus cinereus;
  Dytiscus sulcatus;

  } water

• Carabus granulatus; in fields near London
• Carabus crepitans; under stones
• Carabus 6 punctatus; on sand near brooks
• Carabus 4 maculatus; on sandy banks of rivers
• Mordella aculeata; on flowers
• Staphylinus murinus; on horse-dung
• Staphylinus riparius; on wet sand
• Staphylinus chrysomelinus; on sand and near walls
• Forficula auricularia, earwig
• Forficula minor, small ditto

2. Hemiptera.

• Parts to be viewed the same as the Coleoptera
• Blatta orientalis; in bakehouses and near chimnies
• Gryllo-talpa, mole-cricket; chiefly under ground
• Gryllus domesticus, house-cricket
• Gryllus campestris; under ground
• Gryllus grossus, common grass-hopper
• Gryllus verrucivorus, great green grass-hopper
• Cicada cornuta; on trees, &c.
• Cicada spumaria, black-headed frog-hopper, cuckow-spit, or froth-worm; in froth on sundry plants
• Cicada viridis; on water plants
• Cicada ulmi; on elms
• Cicada rosÆ; on rose trees
• Notonecta glauca, common boat-fly; swims on its back in smooth water
• Notonecta striata, brown boat-fly; on water
• Notonecta minutissima, little boat-fly; swims on its back
• Nepa cinerea, water scorpion; on water
• Nepa cimicoides; on water
• Nepa linearis; on stagnant water
• Cimex lectularius, bed bug
• Cimex scaraboides; on flowers in meadows
• Cimex corticalis; on trees
• Cimex betulÆ; on birch trees
• Cimex filicis; on fern
• Cimex baccarum; on gooseberry bushes
• Cimex personatus; in houses
• Cimex hyoscyami, scarlet bug; on henbane
• Cimex umbratilis; on flowers
• Cimex striatus; in woods near Hampstead
• Cimex populi; in woods, particularly on the trunk of the poplar
• Cimex abietis; on Scotch fir
• Cimex lacustris; runs quick on still water
• Cimex stagnorum; on stagnant waters
• Aphis ribis, currant louse; on the bushes
• Aphis ulmi, elm
• Aphis sambuci, elder
• Aphis rumicis, dock
• Aphis aceosÆ, sorrel
• Aphis lychnidis, campion
• Aphis rosÆ, rose
• Aphis tiliÆ, lime
• Aphis brassicÆ, cabbage
• Aphis sonchi, sow thistle
• Aphis cardui, thistle
• Aphis tanaceti, tansey
• Aphis absinthii, wormwood
• Aphis jaceÆ, knapeseed
• Aphis betulÆ, birch
• Aphis fagi, beech
• Aphis quercus, oak; under the bark
• Aphis salicis, willow
• Aphis populi, poplar
• Aphis aceris, maple; on the leaves
• Aphis atriplicis; rolled up in the leaves of the grass-leaved orach
• Chermes graminis; on grass
• Chermes pyri; on pear trees
• Chermes scorbi; on mountain ash
• Chermes urticÆ; on nettles
• Chermes alni; on common alder
• Chermes quercus; on leaves of oak
• Chermes abietes; on fir
• Chermes fraxini; on ash trees
• Coccus hesperidum, greenhouse bug; on orange trees
• Coccus betulÆ; on the divarications of the branches of birch trees
• Coccus philarides; on canary grass
• Thrips junipera; on bark of old trees
• Thrips fasciata; on flowers
• Thrips physapus; on dandelion, &c. p. 350.

3. Lepidoptera.

• Their wings, scales, and feathers, tongue or proboscis, head, eyes, antennÆ, chrysalides, eggs, legs, &c.
• Papilio cardamines, orange tip; in hedge sides
• Papilio Io, peacock; in lanes and hedge sides
• Papilio MÆra, great Argus or wall; on walls and banks
• Papilio galathea, white marbled; in meadow
• Papilio cardui, painted lady; on furzes and teazles
• Papilio Iris, purple emperor; in woods
• Papilio polychtoros, large tortoise-shell; in lanes
• Papilio urticÆ, small tortoise-shell; on banks
• Papilio maturna, heath fritillary; on heaths
• Papilio cinxia, glanville or plantain fritillary; meadows
• Papilio paphia, silver wash or great fritillary; in woods
• Papilio aglaja, dark green fritillary; in woods
• Papilio cuphrosyne, pearl border fritillary; in woods
• Papilio quercus, purple hair streak; in bushes
• Papilio rubi, bramble or green; in woods
• Papilio pamphilus, small gate keeper; in meadows
• Sphinx ocellata, eyed hawk moth; on willows
• Sphinx populi, poplar hawk moth; poplars and willows
• Sphinx tiliÆ, lime hawk moth; on lime tree bark
• Sphinx convolvuli, unicorn hawk moth; in fields where bindweed grows
• Sphinx ligustri, privet hawk moth; in privet hedges
• Sphinx atropos, jasmine hawk moth, bee-tyger, or death head; in potatoe fields
• Sphinx elpenor, elephant moth; on vines, convolvulus, &c.
• Sphinx stellatarum, large bee moth, or humming bird; in gardens on flowers
• Sphinx filipendulÆ, burnet moth; on grass in meadows
• PhalÆna pavonia, emperor; on osier grounds
• PhalÆna rubi, fox; near woods
• PhalÆna pini, pine lappet; on pines
• PhalÆna vinula, puss; on barks of trees
• PhalÆna neustria, lacky; thorns
• PhalÆna caja, great tyger; on banks
• PhalÆna villica, cream spot tyger; on banks which face the rising sun
• PhalÆna monacha, black arches; in woods
• PhalÆna salicis, white sattin; in willow bark
• PhalÆna zigzag, pebble; ibid.
• PhalÆna cossus, goat; p. 334
• PhalÆna libatrix, furbelow
• PhalÆna jacobÆÆ, cinnabar or pink underwing; commons
• PhalÆna pronuba, large yellow underwing; in gardens
• PhalÆna festucÆ, gold spot; in ditches near marshes
• PhalÆna psi, grey dagger; in bark of willows
• PhalÆna meticulosa, angled shades; on nettles
• PhalÆna aceris, sycamore tussock; near sycamores
• PhalÆna exsoleta, sword grass; in marshes
• PhalÆna oxyacanthÆ, Ealing’s glory; in hedges at Ealing
• PhalÆna pisi, broom, or favourite; in meadows
• PhalÆna amataria, buff argus; in lanes
• PhalÆna syringaria, Richmond beauty; in hedges
• PhalÆna prunaria, orange; in lanes and hedges
• PhalÆna verticalis, mother of pearl; on nettles
• PhalÆna evonymella, small ermine; in orchards
• PhalÆna salicella, rose; gardens
• PhalÆna sarcitella; frequent in houses
• PhalÆna granella; in houses and granaries
• PhalÆna pomonella, codling or apple tree; in orchards
• PhalÆna didactyla, brown-feathered; among nettles
• PhalÆna pentadactyla, white-feathered; in woods
• PhalÆna hexadactyla, many-feathered; on the lonicera, &c.

4. Neuroptera.

• Their wings, head, eyes, antennÆ,&c.
• Libellula depressa
• Libellula Ænea
• Libellula grandis
• Libellula forcipata
• Libellula virgo
• Libellula puella
• Ephemera vulgata
• Ephemera vespertina
• Ephemera culiciformis
• Ephemera horaria
• Ephemera striata
• Phryganea bicaudata
• Phryganea nebulosa
• Phryganea striata
• Phryganea rhomboidica
• Phryganea flavilatera
• Phryganea nigra
• Phryganea longicornis
• Hemerobius perla, golden eye; on plants, page 206
• Hemerobius chrysops
• Hemerobius sexpunctatus
• Hemerobius formicarum
• Panorpa communis; meadows

5. Hymenoptera.

• Wings, sting, proboscis, &c.
• Cynips glecomÆ; in tubercles on leaves of ground-ivy.
• Cynips quercus baccarum; in small tubercles on the under side of oak leaves
• Cynips quercus folii; in large tubercles on oak leaves
• Cynips quercus petioli; in tubercles on the petiolus of oak leaves
• Cynips quercus gemmae; in the large imbricated galls on the extreme buds of oak trees
• Tenthredo lutÆa; on willow, alder, birch
• Tenthredo rustica; on willows
• Tenthredo scrophulariÆ; on fig-wort
• Tenthredo rosÆ; on rose trees
• Tenthredo cynosbati; on hips
• Tenthredo caprÆÆ; on willows
• Ichneumon comitator; in wasps nests
• Ichneumon manifestator; woods
• Ichneumon puparum; in the chrysalides of butterflies
• Ichneumon aphidum; breeds in the bodies of aphides
• Ichneumon globatus; breeds in white silky balls about one inch long, which are found on different plants in meadows
• Ichneumon glomeratus; breeds in the caterpillar of the cabbage butterfly
• Ichneumon pectinicornis; in the chrysalides of butterflies
• Sphex viatica
• Sphex cribraria
• Chrysis ignita; in walls
• Vespa crabro, hornet; builds in hollow trees
• Vespa vulgaris, common wasp
• Vespa coarctata, small wasp
• Apis centuncularis; builds in old trees
• Apis rufa, small field bee
• Apis mellitica, common hive bee
• Apis manicata; on flowers
• Apis conica; builds on the ground
• Apis terrestris, humble bee; builds deep in the ground
• Apis subterranea, great humble bee
• Formica herculeana, horse ant, large
• Formica rufa; in gardens
• Formica fusca, brown, common ant
• Formica nigra, black
• Formica rubra, little red ant

6. Diptera.

• Oestrus bovis, breeze or gad fly, see page 294, note
• Oestrus hÆmorrhoidalis, see page 295, note
• Oestrus ovis, grey fly, see page 296, note
• Tipula crocata; in meadows
• Tipula lunata; ibid.
• Tipula cornicina; ibid.
• Tipula plumosa, sea tipula, resembles a gnat, and is frequently mistaken for it
• Tipula littoralis; on trees
• Tipula monilis; in meadows and on windows, &c.
• Musca chamÆleon, p. 248
• Musca morio; in gardens
• Musca pyrastri; ibid.
• Musca menthastri; flowers
• Musca pipiens; on mint, &c.
• Musca inanis; on flowers
• Musca pellucens; on rose trees
• Musca cÆsar; in woods and gardens
• Musca cadaverina; on flesh
• Musca vomitoria, blue flesh fly
• Musca carnaria, common flesh fly
• Musca domestica, common house fly
• Musca cellaris; frequently found dead in wine and vinegar
• Musca putris; breeds in cheese and dung
• Musca stercoraria; on dung
• Musca vibrans; on trees
• Musca flava; on flowers
• Musca solstitialis; on thistles
• Tabanus bovinus, great horse fly
• Tabanus pluvialis; in meadows
• Culex pipiens, common gnat, see page 187 note, 623
• Culex bifurcatus; in watery places
• Culex pulicaris; in gardens in the spring
• Conops calcitrans, differs from the common fly, in having a sharp hard proboscis, with which it strikes our legs in autumn
• Conops macrocephala; in meadows
• Asilus craboniformis, hornet fly; in wet meadows
• Asilus forcipatus; in gardens
• Asilus morio; in wet woods
• Bombylius major, humble bee fly, sucks flowers without resting on them
• Bombylius medius; hovers in the air like a hawk, and darts with great celerity
• Bombylius minor; in Caen wood, near Hampstead
• Hippobosca equina; fastens on dogs and cattle
• Hippobosca hirundinis; in swallows’ nests

7. Aptera.

• Lepisma saccharina; in the joints of sash windows that are wet and seldom opened
• Podura viridis; on plants in April
• Podura plumbea; on trees, solitary
• Podura villosa; on stones
• Podura aquatica; numerous on the leaves of aquatic plants
• Termes pulsatorium, the death-watch of LinnÆus, p. 688, note
• Pediculus humanus, common louse, see p. 619
• Pediculus pubis, crab louse
• Pediculus bovis, cattle
• Pediculus vituli, ibid.
• Pediculus corvi, raven
• Pediculus gallinÆ, capon
• Pediculus columbÆ, pidgeon
• Pulex irritans; see page 616
• Acarus reduvius, sheep louse or tick
• Acarus ricinus, dog tick
• Acarus passerinus; on many species of small birds
• Acarus aquaticus; on stagnant water, swims quick
• Acarus holosericeus, scarlet spider; on the ground and on plants
• Acarus coleoptratorum, beetle-tick; hundreds are found on the belly of a beetle
• Acarus longicornis; under stones, &c.
• Phalangium opilio, long-legged spider
• Phalangium cancroides, scorpion tick; on garden pots, sometimes in houses
• Aranea cucurbitina; on fruit trees
• Aranea labyrinthica; in fields
• Aranea domestica, house spider
• Aranea redimita; in gardens
• Aranea senaculata, large; on walls, &c.
• Aranea scenica, black; on old walls and windows; spins no web
• Aranea aquatica, pale brown
• Aranea viatica, resembles a crab, moves slow, &c.
• Cancer pisum, pea, size of a pea; in mussels
• Cancer minutus, minute, smaller than the preceding; among sea weeds
• Cancer longicornis, long horned, size of the last
• Cancer plati-cheles, great clawed, size of a horse bean
• Cancer Bernardus, hermit; in the deserted shells of wilks, &c.
• Cancer gammarus, lobster
• Cancer homarus; on the coast of Ireland
• Cancer astacus, cray-fish
• Cancer serratus, prawn
• Cancer squilla, white shrimp
• Cancer crangon, shrimp
• Cancer linearis, linear shrimp
• Cancer atomos, atom shrimp
• Cancer locusta, locust; frequently skipping in summer on the sea shore
• Cancer mantis; Weymouth
• Cancer pulex, water flea; in rivulets
• Cancer salinus; in Lymington salt water
• Monoculus apis; in fish ponds and ditches
• Monoculus pulex, very minute; frequent and numerous in stagnant water
• Monoculus quadricornis
• Oniscus asilus, sea louse
• Oniscus entomon, sea wood-louse; on the coasts
• Oniscus aquaticus; in clear springs
• Oniscus asellus, millepes or wood louse; in old walls, &c.
• Oniscus armadillo; under stones
• Julus terrestris, feet 200; under stones
• Julus sabulosus, feet 240

VERMES.

1. Intestina.

• Gordius aquaticus, like a horse hair; in water and clay
• Gordius lacustris; in the liver of the pike
• Ascaris vermicularis; at the bottom of lakes, and in the intestines of children and horses
• Ascaris lumbricoides; in the human intestines
• Lumbricus terrestris, earth worm; in the ground and in the human intestines
• Lumbricus marinus, sea worm
• Fasciola hepatica, gourd worm; in ditches, rivulets, and in the liver of sheep
• Fasciola intestinalis; in the intestines of fishes
• Fasciola barbata; in the intestines of the sepia loligo
• Sepunculus nudus; in the sea
• Hirundo medicinalis, common leech; in shallow waters
• Hirundo sanguisuga, horse leech; in fresh water
• Hirundo geometra; in fresh water
• Hirundo muricata, sea leech

2. Mollusca.

• Limax ater, black snail; in moist shady places
• Limax rufus, red; at the foot of mountains
• Limax maximus, large grey; in thick woods
• Limax agrestis, small grey; on cabbages
• Limax flavus, amber; on plants
• Doris argo, sea lemon
• Doris verrucosa; Aberdeen
• Doris elutrina; Anglesea
• Aphrodita acculeata, sea mouse; often found in the stomach of a cod
• Aphrodita squamata; Anglesea
• Aphrodita minuta; ibid.
• Nereis noctiluca, scarce visible to the naked eye; shines by night in the sea, so as to make the water appear on fire
• Nereis locustris; in clayey water
• Ascidia rustica; Scarborough
• Actinea sulcata; rocks of Cornwall and Anglesea
• Holothuria pentactes; in the deep
• Lernea cyprinacea; in fishponds, adhering to the sides of carp
• Lernea salmonea; adheres to the gills of salmon
• Lernea asellina; in the gills of cod, &c.
• Sepia officinalis, ink or cuttlefish; in the sea
• Sepia sepiola; off Flintshire
• Medusa cruciata
• Medusa aurita, sea nettle
• Medusa capillata, sea lungs
• Asterias rubens, five-fingered star fish
• Asterias glacialis, common ditto
• Asterias oculata, dotted ditto
• Asterias minuta; Denbigh
• Asterias hastata; Cornwall
• Asterias nigra; ibid.
• Echius esculentus, sea hedgehog; on the coast, near Scarborough
• Echius spatagus, sea egg; on the Yorkshire coast

3. Testacca.

• Chiton crinitus, hairy chiton; Aberdeen
• Chiton marginatus; in the sea, at Scarborough
• Chiton levis, lock broom; West Ross, North Britain
• Lepas. Animal, triton
• Lepas balanus; adhering to rocks and shells
• Lepas balanoides, acorn fish; frequently adheres to oysters
• Lepas tintinabulum; on bottoms of ships
• Lepas anatifera, barnacle, see page 344
• Pholas. Animal, ascidia
• Pholas dactylus, piddock; in stones, shines by night
• Pholas crispatus; frequent on the Yorkshire coast
• Solen. Animal, ascidia
• Solen siliqua; frequent on the shore near Scarborough
• Solen vagina; Anglesea
• Solen pellucidus; ibid.
• Solen legumen; ibid.
• Tellina. Animal, tethys
• Tellina cornea, size of a pea; in pools of fresh water
• Cardium Animal, tethys
• Cardium echinatum; on the Yorkshire coast
• Cardium edule, common cockle
• Mactra. Animal, tethys
• Mactra solida; on the Yorkshire coast
• Mactra lutraria; sea, at the mouth of rivers
• Donax. Animal, tethys
• Donax trunculus; on the coast near Scarborough
• Ostrea maxima, large scallop; on the Irish coast, and near Portland
• Ostrea obliterata, small scallop
• Ostrea edulis, common oyster
• Anomia truncata; in limestones
• Anomia crispa; in bluish limestone, in Craven, and other parts
• Anomia squamula; on oysters, crabs, and lobsters
• Anomia ephipium; adhering to oyster shells
• Mytilus. Animal, ascidia
• Mytilus rugosus; in lime-stone
• Mytilus edulis, common muscle
• Mytilus cygneus; in many lakes in the north
• Buccinum. Animal, limax
• Buccinum lapillus, larger English purple fish; on the shore
• Buccinum minimum, less than a pea
• Helix, snails. Animal, limax
• Helix lapicida; in woods in Lincolnshire
• Helix planorbis; in rivulets
• Helix cornea; in still rivers and pools
• Helix vivipera; ibid.
• Helix putris; in rivers and pools
• Serpula. Animal, terebella.
• Serpula spirorbis; adheres to sea weeds on the coast
• Sabella. Animal, nereis
• Sabella alviolata, English tubular sand coral; on the Yarmouth coast, and on Peington strand, Devon

4. Lithophyta.

• Coral, calcareous, fixed, built by animals
• Madrepora. Coral, with cavities, lamellosa-stellated. Animal, medusa
• Madrepora musicalis; on the Irish coast
• Millepora. Animal, hydra
• Millepora fascialis, stony foliaceous coralline; adhering to an oyster shell, on the coast of the Isle of Wight
• Cellepora, coral, submembranaceous, composed of round shells. Animal, hydra
• Cellepora pumicosa, appears in the microscope like a pumice-stone; found on the sickle coralline, like white sand

5. Zoophyta.

• Gorgonia placomus, warted sea fan; on the Cornish coast
• Gorgonia anceps, sea willow
• Gorgonia flabellum, Venus fan
• Alcyonium. Florets, hydrÆ, between the cortex; epidermis vesicular, porous
• Alcyonium digitatum, dead-man’s hand; frequently taken up by fishermen trawling for flat fish on the Kentish coast
• Alcyonium schlosseri; on the Cornish coast
• Alcyonium ficus, sea-fig; near Sheerness
• Spongia oculata, branched sponge; on the coast
• Spongia dicotoma, forked sponge; on the Cornish and Yorkshire coasts
• Spongia lacustris, creeping sponge; at the bottom of lakes in Westmoreland
• Spongia fluviatilis, river sponge; in the Thames, Cam, &c.
• Flustra foliacea, broad-leaved horn-wrack; on the coast
• Tubularia indivisa, tubular coralline
• Tubularia ramosa, small rarified tubular coralline
• Tubularia fistulosa, bugle coralline
• Tubularia campanulata, creeping, extremely minute
• Corallina officinalis, coralline of the shops; fixed to rocks and shells, by stony joints
• Corallina rubens, crested or coxcomb coralline, like moss in round tufts, resembling a bird’s crest; the microscope shews the filaments to be dichotomous
• Corallina corniculata, white slender-jointed coralline; adheres to small fuci
• Sertularia rosacea, lily-flowering oralline; on oysters
• Sertularia pumila, sea-oak coralline; about Sheerness
• Sertularia abietina, sea-fir; on oysters, muscles, &c.
• Sertularia argentea, squirrel’s tail; on oysters in the Isle of Shepey
• Sertularia cornuta, very minute—with many others
• Vorticella, see page 396 & seq.
• Hydra, see page 363 & seq.
• TÆnia solium; in the intestines of various animals
• TÆnia vulgaris, common tapeworm; in the intestines of men and brutes
• Animalcula infusoria, see page 428 & seq.[170]

[170] Those who are desirous of seeing well delineated and elegantly coloured figures of a variety of curious objects among the insect class, particularly such as require investigation by the microscope, will be amply gratified by having recourse to Donovan’s History of British Insects. From the Naturalists Miscellany, by G. Shaw, M. D. F. R. & Vice Pres. L. S. numbers of beautiful subjects may likewise be selected.