on, and the pupils should be
instructed to observe the chrysalis building or the cocoon weaving. It
will be found that some larvae burrow into the soil.

During winter the cage should be kept in a cool place, such as a shed,
so that the winter conditions may be as nearly natural as possible.

In a few cases, the development within the cocoon is quite rapid; and
the adult form hatches out in a few weeks, for example, the
cabbage-butterfly, monarch or milkweed butterfly, and tussock-moth. For
this reason these are preferable for study by Form I pupils. In April
the cage should be placed in the school-room, that the pupils may
observe the emergence of the insects and the spreading of the wings. The
insects can be fed with syrup or honey until they are strong, then the
pupils should set them free.

Reference.--_Reports of the Entomological Society of Ontario_,
Department of Agriculture.

PLANT COLLECTIONS

The instructions given below for collecting, pressing, and mounting
plants are applicable to wild flowers, grains, grasses, and weeds.

~The specimen.~--Select a plant which in form and size is typical of its
species and which is in full flower. Care must be taken to dig down and
secure the root.

If the plant is too large for the mounting sheet, cut out the central
part, and use the root, lower leaves, upper leaves, and flower. If the
root is very thick, cut slices lengthwise off the sides so as to reduce
it to a flat form that is not too bulky.

Before the plant has had time to wither, spread it out flat on a sheet
of paper and spread another sheet over it, taking care to straighten the
leaves and flower out. Blotting-paper is preferable, but any soft paper
that will absorb moisture will make a very good substitute.

~Pressing and drying.~--Place several sheets of paper above and below the
specimen. Any number of specimens prepared as described in the last
paragraph may be placed in a pile, one over another, resting on the
floor or on a table. Place on top of the pile a board which is large
enough to cover the surface of the pile, and on the board place a weight
of about fifteen pounds of bricks, or other convenient material. A box
containing sand, stones, or coal may be used in place of the board and
weights. The weight prevents the shrivelling and distortion of the
plants.

To prevent discoloration and mildewing of the plants, the papers around
them must be changed at the end of the following successive