Directions for collecting and preserving insects

The former work, prepared in 1892 under the direction of the late Dr. C.V. Riley, served a most valuable purpose in showing beginners the best methods of collecting and preserving insects. During the years since its preparation, many new methods have been devised and studies conducted on entirely new lines. Therefore, it has been necessary to consider the preparation of a new paper, with many notes on methods of preparation being culled from the pages of the entomological journals, along with several members of the Bureau of Entomology who have furnished items of value in their special lines.

The following pages provide several methods for accomplishing different procedures along with other ways that are doubtless familiar to many collectors. As a general rule patience in collecting, care in the handling, and uniformity in the preparation of specimens will result in a good collection. And a good collection is the first requirement and the greatest inducement to study any group.